By Research Support Instruments (RSI)
The Revolutionary Imaging Technology (RIT) program was created to transition ground-based sparse-aperture optical imaging systems used for astronomy to space-based sparse-aperture imaging systems used for reconnaissance. The program envisioned a step-by-step demonstration process involving laboratory tests, ground-based experiments, low-altitude airship experiments, high-altitude balloon experiments, leading to a LEO demonstration satellite and potential for ultimate GEO implementation. RSI roles on RIT included designing, developing, and operating the RIT sparse-aperture testbed, designing, building, and operating the RIT 16-color camera, conducting rooftop demonstration observations of National Airport, fielding RIT optical demonstration hardware on airship flights, configuring the RIT optics for the Harbor Mist balloon flight, providing field support for all RIT airborne experiments and demonstrations, and supporting the development of a LEO demonstrator concept design.
