The BMDO Innovative Science and Technology Experimentation Facility (BMDO/ISTEF) active imaging program is engaged in an ongoing program to develop and demonstrate advanced laser imaging concepts for Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD). As an example, we present results from our support of the Eastern Range (ER) launch of the Titan B33 (Cassini). This support was a result of ER Range Safety's concerns over their inability to precisely monitor the status of the launch vehicle in the earliest stages of flight. Existing passive CCD video cameras are blinded by the bright solid rocket plume during the first few seconds of launch and, in the case of Cassini, this was a critical portion of flight. Several factors of this launch posed unique safety concerns. First, this space probe had a significant amount of Plutonium Oxide on board as a heat source for its Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs). Second, the Titan IVB launch vehicle had the new Solid Rocket Motor Upgrade (SMRU) with gimbaled nozzles and this was only its second flight. Third, the launch occurred at night, which compounded the effect of the bright plume on conventional CCD cameras. We will also present our plans to upgrade our laser imaging system to include a polarization sensing capability. This upgrade is a joint venture with the University of Central Florida (UCF).


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