Moon/Sun interference analysis, identification and suppression on Dual Cone Earth Sensor

Focused on the problem of the Sun and Moon interference to Dual Cone scanning infrared Earth Sensor (DCES) which is installed on the near-Earth satellite, this paper puts forward the corresponding solutions. First of all, according to the working principle of the sensor, the paper analyzed the interference mechanism of the Sun and Moon in detail and carried out a simulation. By detecting and discriminating the pulse produced by the Sun, the Moon and the Earth, a novel method was presented and new software was developed to suppress the interference. The method was realized without additional sensors or other devices, and without remote control on the ground, resulted in low-cost and high autonomy of the satellite. Furthermore, the method was verified through an electrical signal testing as well as an optical signal source testing. Results showed that the Moon and Sun interference was identified and suppressed without corrupting the horizon crossing.