|
Applications and Cameras in general |
|
|
|
|
Written by Arinze Udenwa
|
|
Tuesday, 01 February 2005 |
| Applications |
| There are various applications for the images generated by a rover,
a few examples of these are listed below.
- Navigation; the rover needs to be able to tell its location at all
times and determine what direction it is facing and it needs to be heading
to.
- Hazard detection; during exploration, the rover could run into a
rock or fall into a ditch, therefore it needs to be able to see what
lies ahead of it.
- Scientific analysis; pictures of rock and soil samples need to be
viewed by scientist back on Earth to determine which samples need to
be collected for further analysis.
All rovers that have been sent to explore planets have had cameras onboard
that achieved the above tasks and more. We shall take a look at the types
of camera needed to carry out each objective and how they compliment each
other and other instruments on the rover in their duties. |
Cameras in general
|
The Microscopic Imager at the end of the Instrument
Deployment Device |
|
| Although different cameras will need to be designed to suit particular
needs, in general all the cameras have to meet some criteria. Climatic conditions
on the planet or asteroid were the rovers will be operating will need to
be considered during the design process. The cameras will have to be able
to withstand harsh weather conditions and sporadic weather changes depending
on the area where they will be used. Mission duration also has to be considered,
some equipment only have a limited life span and can only operate for a
certain amount of time per day. The temperature at which the cameras will
operate is a major issue that has to be dealt with during the design process. |
[
NEXT ]
|
|
Last Updated ( Saturday, 09 July 2005 )
|
