The Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV) system, which is being developed by the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA), is a
midcourse payload that includes a carrier vehicle and a number of small kill vehicles. During the mission, the carrier
vehicle dispenses the kill vehicles to address a complex threat environment and directs each kill vehicle toward the
intercept point for its assigned threat object. As part of the long range carrier vehicle sensor development strategy, MDA
and project leaders have developed a pathfinder sensor and are in the process of developing two subsequent
demonstration sensors to provide proof of concept and to demonstrate technology. To increase the probability of
successful development of the sensor system, detailed calibration measurements have been included as part of the sensor
development. A detailed sensor calibration can provide a thorough understanding of sensor operation and performance,
verifying that the sensor can meet the mission requirements. This approach to instrument knowledge will help ensure the
program success and reduce cost and schedule risks. The Space Dynamics Laboratory at Utah State University (SDL)
completed a calibration test campaign for the pathfinder sensor in April 2008. Similar calibration efforts are planned in
2009 for the two demonstration sensors. This paper provides an overview of calibration benefits, requirements,
approach, facility, measurements, and preliminary results of the pathfinder calibration.
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