SPACE & EARTH OBSERVATIONHigh-precision calibration for infrared space instruments
Meeting the challenges of infrared sensing in space
In the rapidly evolving field of Space and Earth observation, the accuracy of satellite-collected data is critical. From monitoring climate change, tracking weather patterns, and observing environmental dynamics, to collecting key meteorological insights, satellites depend heavily on infrared technologies—such as thermal imagers, radiometers, and spectrometers.
These instruments must deliver consistent, reliable performance despite the extreme conditions of space. To guarantee such performance, they must be meticulously calibrated and qualified before launch. The main challenge lies in accurately simulating Earth or Deep Space thermal radiation into vacuum conditions, to validate the sensors’ responses under mission-like environments.
Testing spaceborne infrared instrumentation
These instruments need to be tested against known, controlled radiation sources to ensure they provide accurate and repeatable measurements once deployed.
A critical part of this process involves simulating two key thermal scenes:
- The extremely cold radiation background of deep space
- The infrared signature of Earth, which the sensor is designed to observe
Reproducing these environments requires advanced thermal sources that function inside vacuum chambers, a setup used in thermal and radiometric test phases during ground qualification.
Supporting critical missions with proven technology
HGH’s blackbodies are trusted in high-stakes missions where data quality and sensor reliability are non-negotiable. They are used to:
- Calibrate infrared sensors to reduce uncertainty
- Characterize instrument response under simulated space conditions
- Perform system-level thermal testing and validation
Through strong partnerships with space industry stakeholders, HGH provides end-to-end support to help missions meet rigorous spaceflight standards.
Vacuum-Compatible BlackbodiesA Core Component of AIVT
HGH’s vacuum-compatible blackbodies are essential components of the Assembly, Integration, Verification and Testing (AIVT) phase in satellite development. These blackbodies serve as precise reference sources during instrument qualification, allowing mission teams to simulate operational infrared environments with high fidelity.
As part of the optical ground support equipment (OGSE), they are used by:
- Sensor and payload manufacturers
- Space agencies
- Aerospace system integrators and primes
Whether testing Earth-facing or space-facing sensors, our blackbodies ensure radiometric accuracy and thermal consistency during all ground-based validation processes.
HGH’s vacuum-compatible blackbodies are essential components of the Assembly, Integration, Verification and Testing (AIVT) phase in satellite development. These blackbodies serve as precise reference sources during instrument qualification, allowing mission teams to simulate operational infrared environments with high fidelity.
As part of the optical ground support equipment (OGSE), they are used by:
- Sensor and payload manufacturers
- Space agencies
- Aerospace system integrators and primes
Whether testing Earth-facing or space-facing sensors, our blackbodies ensure radiometric accuracy and thermal consistency during all ground-based validation processes.
HGH expertise in vacuum compatible blackbodies
With over 25 years of experience in infrared measurement and calibration, HGH is a trusted name in the space industry. HGH designs and manufacture vacuum-compatible blackbodies that are used in leading space missions across the globe.
HGH’s systems have been integral to:
- Meteosat Third Generation (MTG)
- METOP-C
- A wide range of Earth observation, meteorology, and environmental monitoring missions
Each blackbody is engineered to deliver:
- High emissivity and long-term stability
- Precise temperature knowledge
- Full vacuum compatibility
- Custom configurations to match client-specific optical and thermal requirements
Key features of HGH vacuum-compatible blackbodies
- Stable performance across wide temperature ranges
- Compatibility with cryogenic and ambient operating conditions
- High uniformity and low thermal gradients
- Custom aperture sizes and geometries
- Seamless integration into OGSE setups for satellite sensor testing
These features allow clients to replicate the thermal contrast between Earth and deep space, validating sensor performance before launch.
A trusted partner in the space industry
HGH is proud to support the space and Earth observation community with solutions tailored to their most demanding needs. We provide turnkey blackbody calibration systems that comply with the highest levels of accuracy, stability, and environmental robustness.
We have delivered solutions to major actors across the global space ecosystem. From national space agencies to prime contractors and integrators, our systems have been selected for their reliability, performance, and adaptability.
Contact us for your next space project
Planning a new satellite mission? Need to upgrade your OGSE capabilities? Our experts are here to help define the best calibration system for your payload.
Get in touch to learn more about our vacuum-compatible blackbody solutions for space and Earth observation applications !
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