Using the results of observing stars by a space-based infrared optoelectronic camera for estimating its sensitivity and the energy characteristics ofthe objects observed

The possibility and expediency of using the results of observing stars for estimating the actual sensitivity of an optoelectronic camera under the con ditions in space are demonstrated. A procedure for calculating the effectiv e irradiance of the entrance pupil of the camera created by starlight and t he special features of the calculation for IR systems, as well as a procedu re for processing signals from stars, which permits estimation of the effec tive radiant intensity of the objects observed, are presented. (C) 2000 The Optical Society of America.