HIP
Hyperspectral Imaging Polarimeter
The HIP pathfinder sensor, developed by SDL for MDA, investigates the infrared characteristics of sun-glint from high altitude clouds in order to research techniques to reduce the high incidence of false missile-launch indications from US early-warning satellites. Experience from HIP has enabled SDL to build more advanced sensors for space flight as part of the RAMOS program and has established SDL's polarimetry team as international leaders in the field of IR polarimetry.
HIP laid the groundwork for the proof of concept, multi-camera LWIR polarimeter built by SDL for the Nichols Corporation. SDL integrated and aligned multiple cameras into the payload package to store and operate data on a single computer. SDL also provided custom software and calibration for the instrument.
