Light emitting diode had never been used as spaceborne calibration source before. In this paper

the feasibility of using LED as calibration source was studied. Discussing the Characteristics of LED

we used aging experiment to measure the LED long term working stability. Then

the LED current characteristic was discussed. As the calibration source characteristics would be changed in space environment

LED’s temperature characteristics

vacuum and anti-radiation characteristics were analyzed at the same time. Experimental results showed that continuous lighting for 1200 hours

LED’s attenuations were less than 1.2%.

and LED on-off tests’ results showed a good reproducibility

but a period of 10 to 15 minutes instability. Changed LED’s currents had different effects on their radiant intensity and wavelength. Changed LED’s ambient temperatures would affect their radiant intensity

forward currents and peak wavelength positions. Under vacuum

as different conductive media

LED’s radiant intensity increased

and the volatile of LED’s packaging materials have little impact; In the case of radiation protection

LED’s radiant intensity change was no more than 0.5% / year in space radiation effects. General speaking

LED was competent for using as spaceborne calibration light source.