Earthcare MSI TIR detector qualification

The ESA EarthCARE satellite mission objective is the observation of clouds and aerosols from low Earth orbit. The key spatial context providing instrument within the payload suite of 4 instruments is the Multi- Spectral Imager (MSI). This paper discusses the test program developed and implemented at SSTL for the formal qualification of the COTS micro-bolometer detectors for the TIR camera of the MSI. The comprehensive test campaign for the qualification of the detectors covered full electro-optical characterisation, life tests, environmental testing (thermal and mechanical), Particle Impact Noise Detection (PIND) tests, destructive physical analysis (DPA) and radiation tolerance assessment. Testing was undertaken at the specialist detector test facilities at SSTL. External facilities were called on for aspects of the programme. We describe the microbolometer arrays tested, the test benches developed for the program, test facilities, the test procedures and a summary of the test results. The qualification programme was completed in May 2014.