Open AccessStardust Imaging Camera
Author(s) -
Newburn Ray L.,
Bhaskaran Shyam,
Duxbury Thomas C.,
Fraschetti George,
Radey Tom,
Schwochert Mark
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: planets
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.67
H-Index - 298
eISSN - 2156-2202
pISSN - 0148-0227
DOI - 10.1029/2003je002081
Subject(s) - spacecraft , field of view , asteroid , tracking (education) , remote sensing , stereo camera , detector , stereo imaging , focal length , computer science , lens (geology) , physics , computer vision , optics , artificial intelligence , astronomy , geology , psychology , pedagogy
The Stardust spacecraft is carrying an Imaging Camera, primarily for 81P/Wild 2 approach navigation, but the camera also will provide valuable data for P/Wild 2 nucleus characterization and about its activity. During an engineering readiness test, the camera already has provided useful scientific data about an asteroid, 5535 Annefrank. The camera utilizes spare parts from Cassini and Voyager as well as some inherited designs to provide an excellent, low‐cost imaging system with a 1024 × 1024 pixel CCD detector and an f/3.5 lens with a 202 mm focal length. These yield a 3.5° × 3.5° field of view and, potentially, 12 arc second resolution. Spacecraft roll combined with a movable mirror permits safe autonomous body tracking. This capability was proven on Annefrank and will be used to acquire the desired data on P/Wild 2, with the spacecraft protected by a dust shield (a Whipple bumper) during that flyby. Details of the instrumental design and problems associated with its use make up the bulk of the paper.