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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Thermal Vacuum Testing of a Modified COTS Camera for Lunar Environments

The primary objective of this study was to simulate lunar thermal environments to qualify a modified Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) camera for potential flight applications. A comprehensive testing regimen was developed, including both vacuum and thermal vacuum testing. The tests subjected the camera to temperatures corresponding to expected extrema, and thermal performance was recorded throughout the process. The testing demonstrated that both the camera and its thermal protection systems were able to maintain operational functionality under most of the simulated conditions. The results of the testing indicate that the implemented thermal protection system is effective for the expected lunar environments. Despite the decrease in operational time in comparison with terrestrial usage, the camera's overall performance supports its suitability for use in both flight and lunar missions.

Thermal↗
NASA NTRS1972

Convective heating measurement by means of an infrared camera

The development of rapid and accurate wind tunnel techniques to measure convective heating distributions in complex reentry configurations is discussed. Major emphasis was put on the infrared camera technique. Its essence is the measurement of infrared emission from the surface of a wind tunnel model as a function of time. Prior calibration of the infrared camera relates the emission to the surface temperature of the model. The time history of the surface temperature can then be related to the heating rate by standard techniques. The output of the camera is an electrical signal that is tape-recorded in analog form, then digitized and processed by computer, so that automated and relatively rapid data reduction can be accomplished. In addition, the camera produces real-time visual displays of the infrared emission as pictures on an oscilloscope screen. These pictures give immediate indications of hot and cool spots on the model.

Compton, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Surveyor 3: Bacterium isolated from lunar retrieved television camera

Microbial analysis was the first of several studies of the retrieved camera and was performed immediately after the camera was opened. The emphasis of the analysis was placed upon isolating microorganisms that could be potentially pathogenic for man. Every step in the retrieval of the Surveyor 3 television camera was analyzed for possible contamination sources, including camera contact by the astronauts, ingassing in the lunar and command module during the mission or at splashdown, and handling during quarantine, disassembly, and analysis at the Lunar Receiving Laboratory

Mitchell, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Return-beam vidicon multispectral camera system for ERTS A and B.

This paper describes the return-beam vidicon camera system that RCA is developing for use in the ERTS A and B missions. The major parameters of the two-inch return-beam vidicon camera subsystem are explained, and its performance characteristics are given. The relationship of the three-camera subsystem and the associated ground stations is illustrated. A multispectral aerial photograph is shown which is a simulation of a scene taken on the Apollo 9 mission. The simulated scene was made by the return-beam vidicon camera and a laser-beam image reproducer, and is representative of a typical scene as it would be viewed from space during an ERTS mission.

Miller, B. P.↗
NASA NTRS1971

The Nimbus image dissector camera system - An evaluation of its meteorological applications.

Brief description of the electronics and operation of the Nimbus image dissector camera system (IDCS). The geometry and distortions of the IDCS are compared to the conventional AVCS camera on board the operational ITOS and ESSA satellites. The unique scanning of the IDCS provides for little distortion of the image, making it feasible to use a strip grid for the IDCS received in real time by local APT stations. The dynamic range of the camera favors the white end (high reflectance) of the gray scale. Thus, the camera is good for detecting cloud structure and ice features through brightness changes. Examples of cloud features, ice, and snow-covered land are presented. Land features, on the other hand, show little contrast. The 2600 x 2600 km coverage by the IDCS is adequate for the early detection of weather systems which may affect the local area. An example of IDCS coverage obtained by an APT station in midlatitudes is presented.

Sabatini, R. R.↗
NASA NTRS1973

On-film optical recording of camera lens settings

An apparatus is described for recording a representation of the camera lens aperture and focus setting on the film of a camera, while the photographic image is being recorded. A data lens is provided between the camera lens and film, by means of which the aperture and focus setting may be determined. The determination is made by measuring both the location and the size of a data image provided by the data lens. The data lens apparatus requires no electrical power, is low in weight, and does not result in an increase in the external dimensions of the camera.

Thompson, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Two-inch Return Beam Vidicon (RBV) multispectral three camera subsystem

A return beam vidicon multispectral three camera subsystem was developed and built as one of the two principal sensor payloads for the ERTS-A and -B missions. The performance of the cameras on ERTS-1 has been excellent, meeting or exceeding all expectations, especially in the area of geometric fidelity and stability. The three cameras are coaligned in the spacecraft to view the same square ground scene but in different spectral bands. When the separate images are processed and superimposed in their respective colors, they provide a single false color image containing the radiometric and cartographic information required for the ERTS system. The three spectral regions covered by the RBV subsystem are the blue-green red, and the near infrared. The three cameras are exposed simultaneously to facilitate registration of the three separate images into the final color composite.

Weinstein, O.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A silicon vidicon camera for slow scan operation

A silicon vidicon camera was designed, built, and tested to determine its potential for use aboard future Mariner spacecraft. Slow scan operation is made possible by cooling the vidicon to -40 C. Cooling is achieved by a simple thermal condition path between the vidicon and a radiator mounted on top of the camera head. The camera was successfully operated under simulated space flight conditions and has survived vibration designed to simulate the launch of a Mariner spacecraft. A description of the camera and its operation along with the results of the testing is presented.

Potter, W. M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

ERTS two-inch RBV cameras performance characteristics.

A very-high resolution multispectral television camera system is being developed for NASA for use on the ERTS program. There are three cameras in the system, each viewing the same area but operating in the blue-green, red, and near-infrared spectral bands. In the laboratory, the cameras' limiting resolution is 4500 TV lines over the 25x25-mm image format of the return beam vidicon (RBV). Analysis of typical ERTS scenes shows that actual contrast ratios will be much lower than those of laboratory test targets. A model was developed to predict the resolving power performance of the RBV camera under realistic conditions.

Miller, B. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Real time moving scene holographic camera system

A holographic motion picture camera system producing resolution of front surface detail is described. The system utilizes a beam of coherent light and means for dividing the beam into a reference beam for direct transmission to a conventional movie camera and two reflection signal beams for transmission to the movie camera by reflection from the front side of a moving scene. The system is arranged so that critical parts of the system are positioned on the foci of a pair of interrelated, mathematically derived ellipses. The camera has the theoretical capability of producing motion picture holograms of projectiles moving at speeds as high as 900,000 cm/sec (about 21,450 mph).

Kurtz, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Environmental test report for the WX-32335 SEC camera tube

The environmental testing activity on the WX-32335 was carried out to determine if this tube type could withstand the environmental requirements established for the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) camera tube (WX-32224). The results of the tests led to the following conclusions: (1) The WX-32335 as processed with a CsTe photocathode surface can withstand the temperature extremes established for the IUE camera tube without damage to the photocathode surface or without introducing background signal in the tube after one hour of dark integration. (2) The WX-32335 built with a WX-32224 type target support structure can withstand the sinusoidal vibration requirements established for the IUE camera tube. (3) Although the vibration test of the WX-32335 type tubes built with the flat target ring structure could not be completed, there was no indication that these tubes could not withstand the sinusoidal vibration requirements established for the IUE camera tube.

Malanoski, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Performance and evaluation of the Viking lander camera performance prediction program

A computer program is described for predicting the performance of the Viking lander cameras. The predictions are primarily concerned with two objectives: (1) the picture quality of a reference test chart (of which there are three on each lander) to aid in diagnosing camera performance; and (2) the picture quality of cones with surface properties of a natural terrain to aid in predicting favorable illumination and viewing geometries and operational camera commands. Predictions made with this program are verified by experimental data obtained with a Viking-like laboratory facsimile camera.

Huck, F. O.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Spectrometer integrated with a facsimile camera

This invention integrates a spectrometer capability with the basic imagery function of facsimile cameras without significantly increasing mechanical or optical complexity, or interfering with the imaging function. The invention consists of a group of photodetectors arranged in a linear array in the focal plane of the facsimile camera with a separate narrow band interference filter centered over each photodetector. The interference filter photodetector array is on a line in the focal plane of the facsimile camera along the direction of image motion due to the rotation of the facsimile camera's vertical mirror. As the image of the picture element of interest travels down the interference filter photodetector array, the photodetector outputs are synchronously selected and sampled to provide spectral information on the single picture element.

Burcher, E. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Spatially multiplexed infrared camera

A spatially multiplexed infrared camera is described. The camera records an image by measuring the coefficients of an orthogonal series expansion of the two-dimensional radiance distribution. By choice of appropriate functions, significant gains in the picture signal-to-noise ratio can be realized. We have constructed a camera utilizing this multiplexing principle to record images of astronomical objects at infrared wavelengths, where conventional scanning systems perform badly because of low signal levels. Test results verify that the camera exhibits the increase of efficiency expected of a multiplexing system, allowing exposure times two orders of magnitude shorter than necessary for comparable scanning systems.

Davies, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

A method for measuring aircraft height and velocity using dual television cameras

A unique electronic optical technique, consisting of two closed circuit television cameras and timing electronics, was devised to measure an aircraft's horizontal velocity and height above ground without the need for airborne cooperative devices. The system is intended to be used where the aircraft has a predictable flight path and a height of less than 660 meters (2,000 feet) at or near the end of an air terminal runway, but is suitable for greater aircraft altitudes whenever the aircraft remains visible. Two television cameras, pointed at zenith, are placed in line with the expected path of travel of the aircraft. Velocity is determined by measuring the time it takes the aircraft to travel the measured distance between cameras. Height is determined by correlating this speed with the time required to cross the field of view of either camera. Preliminary tests with a breadboard version of the system and a small model aircraft indicate the technique is feasible.

Young, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Environmental performance evaluation of an advanced-design solid-state television camera

The development of an advanced-design black-and-white solid-state television camera which can survive exposure to space environmental conditions was undertaken. A 380 x 488 element buried-channel CCD is utilized as the image sensor to ensure compatibility with 525-line transmission and display equipment. Specific camera design approaches selected for study and analysis included: (1) component and circuit sensitivity to temperature; (2) circuit board thermal and mechanical design; and (3) CCD temperature control. Preferred approaches were determined and integrated into the final design for two deliverable solid-state TV cameras. One of these cameras was subjected to environmental tests to determine stress limits for exposure to vibration, shock, acceleration, and temperature-vacuum conditions. These tests indicate performance at the design goal limits can be achieved for most of the specified conditions.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1986

Camera for Monitoring Vegetation

Video camera uses solid-state imaging devices and light filters to bring out subtle spectral differences between healthy and stressed vegetation differences not readily detectable with infrared film cameras. Camera employs two detector arrays. Video camera made small and easily portable. Eliminates need for refrigeration of film before use, and provides instantaneous output with no delay for film development.

Martin, T. Z.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Large format camera photographs: A new tool for understanding arid environments

Large Format Camera (LFC) was developed by NASA to produce high resolution stereo photographs from space with maximum photogrammetric fidelity. The camera has a 30.5 cm focal length lens and an f/6.0 aperture. The optics are corrected to permit operation with black and white (b/w), natural color (col) and color infrared (cir) film. Interchangeable minus-haze and minus-blue filters are located near the aperture stop, and an antivignetting filter is provided on the front element of the lens. The field-of-view of the LFC along track is 73.7 degrees (ratio 1.5 x H) and across track is 41.1 degrees (ratio 0.75 x H). The frame format of the LFC is 23x46 cm with the long dimension in the direction of flight. The camera can be operated to produce 10, 60, 70, or 80 percent forward overlap for stereoscopic coverage. With 80 percent forward overlap, the stereo model base height ratio is 0.3 for successive frames and 1.2 if every fourth frame is used. The LFC magazine has a capacity of 2400 frames. Two horizon-looking stellar cameras, one directed 45 degrees forward and the other 45 degrees aft were used to photograph the star field in synchronism with exposures of the LFC. Post flight mensuration and calculation of the stellar photographs will provide altitude information for the LFC.

Walker, A. S.↗