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Simulations for In-Flight Stellar Calibration Aimed at Monitoring Space Instruments’ Optical Performance

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Abstract

Stellar in-flight calibrations have a relevant impact on the capability of space optical instruments, such as telescopes or cameras, to provide reliable scientific products, i.e., accurately calibrated data. Indeed, by using the in-flight star images, instrument optical performance can be checked and compared with the on-ground measurements. The analysis of star images carried out throughout the entire lifetime of the instrument in space will enable tracking changes in instrument performance and sensitivity due to degradation or misalignment of the optical components. In this paper, we present the concept, the necessary input and the available outputs of the simulations performed to predict the stars visible in the field of view (FoV) of a specific space instrument. As an example of the method, its application to two specific cases, the Metis coronagraph onboard Solar Orbiter and the stereo camera STereo Channel (STC) onboard BepiColombo, are given. Due to their proximity to the Sun, and to Mercury for STC, both instruments operate under harsh environmental conditions in terms of radiation exposure ((e.g., cosmic rays and SEP), high temperatures and significant temperature variations. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor their optical performances.

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Acknowledgements

This activity was carried out within the framework of the ASI-INAF Contracts Agreement N. 2018-30-HH.0, 2017-47-H.0, and their Addenda (2018-30- HH.1-2022 and 2017-47-H.1-2021).

Funding

This activity was carried out within the framework of the ASI-INAF Contracts Agreement N. 2018-30-HH.0, 2017-47-H.0, and their Addenda (2018-30-HH.1-2022 and 2017-47-H.1-2021).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CNR-IFN, Via Trasea 7, 35131, Padua, Italy

    Chiara Casini, Paolo Chioetto, Antonela Comisso, Fabio Frassetto, Paola Zuppella & Vania Da Deppo

  2. Centre of Studies and Activities for Space “Giuseppe Colombo”, Via Venezia 15, 35131, Padua, Italy

    Chiara Casini

  3. INAF-OATo, Via Osservatorio 20, Pino Torinese, 10025, Turin, Italy

    Chiara Casini & Fabio Frassetto

  4. INAF-OAA, Largo Enrico Fermi 5, 50125, Firenze, Italy

    Paolo Chioetto & Paola Zuppella

  5. INAF-OACN, Salito Moiariello 16, 80131, Naples, Italy

    Vania Da Deppo

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  1. Chiara Casini
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Contributions

C.C wrote the main manuscript text and developed the code used in the work; P..C. made substantial contributions to the creation of the code used in the work; V. D.D. made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the work; P. Z. revised the work critically for important intellectual content; A. C. and F. F. approved the version to be published All the authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

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Correspondence to Chiara Casini.

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Casini, C., Chioetto, P., Comisso, A. et al. Simulations for In-Flight Stellar Calibration Aimed at Monitoring Space Instruments’ Optical Performance. Aerotec. Missili Spaz. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42496-024-00219-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42496-024-00219-3

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