On-orbit calibration using a micro-scaleplate of light for remote sensing cameras

Camera calibration is a prerequisite for image position determination in a space mission of spacecrafts. However, how to realize on-orbit camera calibration without the space and time limitation remains a crucial but unsolved issue. To overcome this problem, we present an efficient solution. We propose to use micro-scaleplate of light that generate two dimensional equally spaced sub-beams. A structured aperture focal plane with a known focal length is placed on the focal-plane of a normal optical system, producing the two dimensional grids with the structured prior position as calibration targets. This is confirmed experimentally. The experimental results show that the use of the micro-scaleplate provides a valuable calibration tool for on-orbit cameras.