RCN-V VACUUM-COMPATIBLEBLACKBODY SOURCES FOR SPACE AND EARTH RADIATIONS SIMULATION
The RCN-V series are high-emissivity, vacuum-compatible blackbody sources, part of Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE). Engineered to meet the demanding requirements of space applications, the RCN-V blackbodies deliver exceptional radiative performance and precision temperature control for the calibration of infrared sensors in vacuum conditions.
RCNV VACUUM-COMPATIBLEBLACKBODY SOURCES FOR SPACE AND EARTH RADIATIONS SIMULATION
The RCNV series are high-emissivity, vacuum-compatible blackbody sources, part of Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE). Engineered to meet the demanding requirements of space applications, the RCNV blackbodies deliver exceptional radiative performance and precision temperature control for the calibration of infrared sensors in vacuum conditions.
RCN-V Blackbody: Calibrate IR payloads under vacuum conditions
The RCN-V Blackbody sources are developed with a specific vacuum-compatible emissive coating and a beam-trap cavity design to achieve best-in-class emissivity of 0.999. Designed for integration in vacuum chambers, they offer exceptional thermal performance, with temperature stabilization down to 10mK and fast cooling capabilities using a high-efficiency chiller or liquid nitrogen (LN2).
Main applications of RCN-V Blackbody Sources
✔ Calibration of infrared sensors for space missions
✔ Assembly, Integration, Verification and Testing (AIVT) for satellite payloads
✔ Radiation simulation for SWIR/MWIR/LWIR thermal imagers
✔ OGSE tools for scientific, industrial, and military satellite programs
✔ Cleanroom infrared testing and validation
RCNV Blackbody: Calibrate IR payloads under vacuum conditions
The RCNV Blackbody sources are developed with a specific vacuum-compatible emissive coating and a beam-trap cavity design to achieve best-in-class emissivity of 0.999. Designed for integration in vacuum chambers, they offer exceptional thermal performance, with temperature stabilization down to 10mK and fast cooling capabilities using a high-efficiency chiller or liquid nitrogen (LN2).
Main applications of RCNV Blackbody Sources
✔ Calibration of infrared sensors for space missions
✔ Assembly, Integration, Verification and Testing (AIVT) for satellite payloads
✔ Radiation simulation for SWIR/MWIR/LWIR thermal imagers
✔ OGSE tools for scientific, industrial, and military satellite programs
✔ Cleanroom infrared testing and validation
Optimized for vacuum chamber & cleanroom integration :
The RCN-V’s emissive head is designed for installation inside a vacuum chamber, with temperature controlled remotely via an Electronic Measuring Unit located outside the vacuum. The system includes an electrical feedthrough and connector for seamless vacuum compatibility, and is ISO 5 cleanroom compliant.
Optimized for vacuum chamber & cleanroom integration :
The RCNV’s emissive head is designed for installation inside a vacuum chamber, with temperature controlled remotely via an Electronic Measuring Unit located outside the vacuum. The system includes an electrical feedthrough and connector for seamless vacuum compatibility, and is ISO 5 cleanroom compliant.
RCN-V BLACKBODY SOURCESMAIN BENEFITS
REAL-TIME TEMPERATURE READOUT
in °C, K, and °F
ISO 5 CLEANROOM
compatible components
REMOTE CONTROL
via external DMK controller
INTEGRATED BITE
(Built-In Test Equipment) for continuous diagnostics
GOLD-COATED PARTS
reduce stray light and increase radiometric accuracy
Precision measurement with calibrated Pt sensors
The temperature of the blackbody cavity is measured in real time using multiple high-precision Pt sensors inserted into the cavity. These sensors are calibrated to national standards, ensuring accurate and repeatable measurements essential for high-stakes satellite and sensor calibration.
Flexible communication protocols for easy system integration
Equipped with Ethernet, RS232, and GPIB interfaces, the RCNV integrates easily into diverse test benches. Remote operation and real-time monitoring simplify the calibration process and increase operational efficiency for AIVT workflows.
Precision measurement with calibrated Pt sensors
The temperature of the blackbody cavity is measured in real time using multiple high-precision Pt sensors inserted into the cavity. These sensors are calibrated to national standards, ensuring accurate and repeatable measurements essential for high-stakes satellite and sensor calibration.
Flexible communication protocols for easy system integration
Equipped with Ethernet, RS232, and GPIB interfaces, the RCNV integrates easily into diverse test benches. Remote operation and real-time monitoring simplify the calibration process and increase operational efficiency for AIVT workflows.
Unmatched emissivity and thermal control technology
Thanks to its advanced cavity design and vacuum-compatible coating, the RCNV achieves an emissivity greater than 0.999. Precision is ensured by real-time temperature monitoring using high-accuracy platinum Pt sensors calibrated for metrological traceability. The system manages heat losses through radiation and conduction, enabling stable operation across critical space calibration ranges.
Unmatched emissivity and thermal control technology
Thanks to its advanced cavity design and vacuum-compatible coating, the RCNV achieves an emissivity greater than 0.999. Precision is ensured by real-time temperature monitoring using high-accuracy platinum Pt sensors calibrated for metrological traceability. The system manages heat losses through radiation and conduction, enabling stable operation across critical space calibration ranges.
RCN-V VACUUM-COMPATIBLE IR SOURCEKEY FEATURES
RCNV VACUUM-COMPATIBLE IR SOURCEKEY FEATURES
EXCEPTIONAL EMISSIVITY
> 0.999
TEMPERATURE RANGES:
80K with LN2 as cooling fluid or [220K to 350K] with ethylene + glycol
HIGH THERMAL UNIFORMITY:
150mK (P-V)
STABILIZATION PRECISION:
down to 10mK
APERTURE DIAMETER:
up to 200 mm
FAST COOLING
from ambient to 100K in 1 hour
Why choose the RCN-V Vacuum-compatible Blackbody for your OGSE?
RCN-V Blackbodies are trusted by major space agencies and industry leaders for their robust performance and thermal precision. Designed for extreme conditions and meticulous calibration requirements, they are key assets in the optical ground support equipment ecosystem.
Key Advantages Include:
✔ Unmatched emissivity and uniformity for high-fidelity calibration
✔ Real-time and remote-controlled temperature management
✔ ISO 5 cleanroom integration and vacuum compatibility
✔ Used by top-tier space programs and industrial primes
Our References
Our vacuum-compatible blackbody sources are a reference standard in the AIVT phases of satellite missions, used by:
Why choose the RCNV Vacuum-compatible Blackbody for your OGSE?
RCNV Blackbodies are trusted by major space agencies and industry leaders for their robust performance and thermal precision. Designed for extreme conditions and meticulous calibration requirements, they are key assets in the optical ground support equipment ecosystem.
Key Advantages Include:
✔ Unmatched emissivity and uniformity for high-fidelity calibration
✔ Real-time and remote-controlled temperature management
✔ ISO 5 cleanroom integration and vacuum compatibility
✔ Used by top-tier space programs and industrial primes
Our References
Our vacuum-compatible blackbody sources are a reference standard in the AIVT phases of satellite missions, used by:
✔ Ball Aerospace
✔ Airbus Defence & Space
✔ THALES ALENIA SPACE
✔ BERTIN Technologies
✔ NASA – Jet Propulsion Laboratory
✔ JAXA – Tsukuba Space Center
✔ ISRO – SAC & Solid State Physics Laboratory
✔ ESA – ESTEC
✔ CSL (Centre Spatial de Liège)
Contact us to learn more
Looking for a high-performance vacuum-compatible blackbody for your space calibration needs?
• Download our full product brochure for technical details
• Contact our experts for tailored advice on integrating the RCNV into your OGSE systems
References
References