Viking cameras reveal new Martian frost layer
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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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CCD camera systems and support electronics for a White Light Coronagraph and X-ray XUV solar telescope
Two instruments, a White Light Coronagraph and an X-ray XUV telescope built into the same housing, share several electronic functions. Each instrument uses a CCD as an imaging detector, but due to different spectral requirements, each uses a different type. Hardware reduction, required by the stringent weight and volume allocations of the interplanetary mission, is made possible by the use of a microprocessor. Most instrument functions are software controlled with the end use circuits treated as peripherals to the microprocessor. The instruments are being developed for the International Solar Polar Mission.
Harrison, D. C.↗
A dual charge-coupled device /CCD/, astronomical spectrometer and direct imaging camera. I - Optical and detector systems
The MASCOT (MIT Astronomical Spectrometer/Camera for Optical Telescopes), an instrument capable of simultaneously performing both direct imaging and spectrometry of faint objects, is examined. An optical layout is given of the instrument which uses two CCD's mounted on the same temperature regulated detector block. Two sources of noise on the signal are discussed: (1) the CCD readout noise, which results in a constant uncertainty in the number of electrons collected from each pixel; and (2) the photon counting noise. The sensitivity of the device is limited by the sky brightness, the overall quantum efficiency, the resolution, and the readout noise of the CCD. Therefore, total system efficiency is calculated at about 15%.
Meyer, S. S.↗
Dual charge-coupled device /CCD/, astronomical spectrometer and direct imaging camera. II - Data handling and control systems
The data collection system for the MASCOT (MIT Astronomical Spectrometer/Camera for Optical Telescopes) is described. The system relies on an RCA 1802 microprocessor-based controller, which serves to collect and format data, to present data to a scan converter, and to operate a device communication bus. A NOVA minicomputer is used to record and recall frame images and to perform refined image processing. The RCA 1802 also provides instrument mode control for the MASCOT. Commands are issued using STOIC, a FORTH-like language. Sufficient flexibility has been provided so that a variety of CCDs can be accommodated.
Dewey, D.↗
A space stable optical bench structure for the space telescope wide field and planetary camera
The design, fabrication, and verification tests of two optical bench structures fabricated under contract to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory are discussed. It is noted that graphite-epoxy and invar have been selected as the structural materials for the bench. The ability to manufacture a precise graphite-epoxy optical system platform has been demonstrated. It is noted that the 19 channel laser interferometer was used to measure the CTE of the bench structure graphite-epoxy components and the two invar bulkheads.
Smith, D. D.↗
Improved Gamma-and X-Ray Pinhole Camera
Electronic additions increase image quality. Digital image-processing equipment electronically performs functions of S1 and D2 improving resolution and adding capability for image storage and further processing. System useful in nuclear medicine or radioisotope imaging, tomography and nuclear industry.
Yin, L. I.↗
Spacecraft imaging of planets - Camera systems from Mariner to Space Telescope
The purpose of the study is to illustrate how imaging has been used to successfully explore the planets scientifically. The scientific, technological, and systems background for imaging instruments on Mariner, Viking, and Voyager are briefly reviewed, along with the scientific data return. Attention is also given to the present imaging systems on Galileo and the Space Telescope. A comparison of all these imaging systems is included, together with an assessment of their actual or projected science return.
Danielson, G. E.↗
Infrared camera for 10-micron astronomy
An infrared imaging photometer employing a monolithic 32 x 32 pixel bismuth doped silicon charge injection device array is described. The device is primarily useful in the 8-13-micron atmospheric window. The detector is sufficiently sensitive to provide good performance on ground-based telescopes and promises to be very good for low background space flight operation.
Arens, J. F.↗
High-speed motion picture camera experiments of cavitation in dynamically loaded journal bearings
(Previously announced in STAR as N82-20543)
Jacobson, B. O.↗
Cometary astrometry with Schmidt cameras
A great many of the professional comet discoveries are made using wide field Schmidt telescopes. In particular the Palomar Schmidt, the ESO Schmidt in Chile and the UK Schmidt at Siding Spring Observatory in Australia. The wide field of view and fast f ratio are two of the distinctive features of this design which make it attractive for comet work. The techniques described refer to those in current use on the UK Schmidt. However in large part the methods described may be applied quite widely.
Russell, K. S.↗
Wide Field/Planetary Camera (WF/PC) contamination control assessment
The major concern of this study was the formation of a haze on the transmissive optics when exposed to a vacuum environment. The phenomena was determined to be a result of molecular transport from a low outgassing structural adhesive. Detailed analysis, both chemical and analytical, were conducted to assess the formation of the haze. Results of the study are given as well as information on clean-up and problem elimination.
Maag, C.↗
Camera Would Monitor Weld-Pool Contours
Weld pool illuminated and viewed coaxially along welding torch. Proposed monitoring subsystem for arc welder provides image in which horizontal portions of surface of weld pool highlighted. Monitoring and analyzing subsystems integrated into overall control system of robotic welder. Control system sets welding parameters to adapt to changing conditions, maintaining surface contour giving desired pattern of reflections.
Gordon, Stephen S.↗
Comment on 'Search for atmospheric holes with the Viking cameras' by L.A. Frank et al.
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Cragin, B. L.↗
Measurement of strains at high temperatures by means of a portable holographic moire camera
Electronic holographic moire is utilized to measure strains at temperatures up to 1000 C. A CW laser operating at 50 mW and at the wavelength of 632.8 nm is used to illuminate the objects under study. The main variables influencing the fringe patterns visibility are discussed and measurements are performed to obtain the values of these variables in the performed experiments. The coefficient of expansion of an alloy is measured at temperatures ranging from 797 C to 986 C. Excellent agreement is found between the measured values and those provided by the manufacturer.
Sciammarella, C. A.↗
LDEF attitude measurement using a pinhole camera with a silver/oxygen atom detector
A small device designed to measure the orbital attitude stability of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) spacecraft is examined. The device used the reaction of Ag with O atoms, which convert the metal to a nonconducting black appearing oxide with high efficiency. The atmosphere at LDEF altitudes consists of more than 90 pct. atomic O. The device is a small hemispheric Ag surface facing a pinhole in a metal plate on the front surface of the satellite. It was expected that the stream of O atoms, travelling at a relatively velocity of 8 km/s would pass through the pinhole and strike the Ag surface at the geometric center, producing a circular black spot. In fact, the position of the spot has clearly shown that the LDEF was rotated by 8.0 + or - 0.4 deg from its nominal attitude, but that it was remarkably stable about this offset. The ellipticity of the recorded spot was attributed to a yaw oscillation of + or - 0.2 deg, however it was previously noted, that the co-rotation of the Earth's atmosphere should produce a sweeping of the atom beam vector of ca. + or - 1.5 deg about the surface normal. Such an effect was not visible in this experiment.
Gregory, John C.↗
Search for near-Earth asteroids with the spacewatch camera
The Spacewatch Program began as an engineering development of the discovery of near-earth asteroids and comets, with the firs observations starting in 1983, using an RCA charge coupled device (CCD) that has 320 x 512 pixels. Extensive software was written to scan the sky and learn how to do astrometry for precise orbits of newly discovered objects. The merit of the concept was proven, with many observations reported and comets recovered. The precision of astrometric observations for comets and asteroids was improved. For efficient scanning and discovery of new objects, a Tektronix 2048 x 2048 CCD was obtained and is now permanently on the Spacewatch Telescope. Other aspects of the Spacewatch Program are briefly discussed.
Gehrels, T.↗
Autonomous robot using infrared thermal camera to discriminate objects in outdoor scene
A complete autonomous legged robot is beig designed at Carnegie Mellon University to perform planetary exploration without human supervision. This robot must traverse unknown and geographically diverse areas in order to collect samples of materials. This paper describes how thermal imaging can be used to identify materials in order to find good footfall positions and collection sites of material. First, a model developed for determining the temperature of materials in an outdoor scene is presented. By applying this model, it is shown that it is possible to determine a physical characteristic of the material: thermal inertia. Second, experimental results are described that consist in recording thermal images of an outdoor scene constituted with sand and rock. Third, results and limitations of applying the model to experimental images are analyzed. Finally, the paper analyzes how basic segmentation algorithms can be combined with the thermal inertia segmentation in order to improve the discrimination of different kinds of materials.
Caillas, C.↗
Crustal heterogeneity of the moon viewed from the Galileo SSI camera: Lunar sample calibrations and compositional implications
Summaries are given of the spectral calibration, compositional parameters, nearside color, and limb and farside color of the Moon. The farside of the Moon, a large area of lunar crust, is dominated by heavily cratered terrain and basin deposits that represent the products of the first half billion years of crustal evolution. Continuing analysis of the returned lunar samples suggest a magma ocean and/or serial magmatism model for evolution of the primordial lunar crust. However, testing either hypothesis requires compositional information about the crustal stratigraphy and lateral heterogeneity. Resolution of this important planetary science issue is dependent on additional data. New Galileo multispectral images indicate previously unknown local and regional compositional diversity of the farside crust. Future analysis will focus on individual features and a more detailed assessment of crustal stratigraphy and heterogeneity.
Pieters, Carle M.↗