There is no comparable capability for integrated modeling like SIERRA in any existing software packages, due in large part to the massive investment on the part of the DOE in developing SIERRA. Since there is no optical capability, adding optics to this already unique and powerful package will truly be state-of-the-art and give JPL an edge in optical and integrated modeling capabilities and model-based V&V. Impacted projects will be large-aperture optical, infrared, and sub-millimeter systems in both astrophysics (e.g. TMT, CCAT, OPTIIx, ATLAST, WFIRST) and Earth science (e.g. hyperspectral imaging systems, seismic monitors). Once a successful demonstration has been made, further funding will be sought from projects who will utilize the modeling tools that we develop from this proposal. The 740 program will be a likely customer to continue to fund this effort once its feasibility is proven. It has already expressed interest in real-time optical modeling for V&V.
More »