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The Space Camera System (SCS) is a tool for providing High fidelity earth and space images real time and near real time to a variety of users. The SCS will be flown aboard the Space Shuttle in a Hitchhiker canister, taking advantage of existing hardware and using the GSFC Hitchhiker avionics unit. This will allow SCS to provide low-cost and quick reaction to space for customers.
The SCS can be controlled real time by the user independent of locality. If need be, the SCS can also be operated by the Shuttle crew. Set-up and operation can be customized to meet the customers needs. Images taken will be downloaded real time or near real time.
The SSPP staff would work closely with the customer through all phases of planning, integration, safety, testing, ground support, etc…
If you are interested in learning more about the Space Camera System, Please Contact:
Dr.
Ruthan Lewis
Program Consultant
NASA
Goddard Space Flight Center
Tel: (301) 286-0818
Specification
A SCS mission will consist of three major phases. They are:
- Pre-Mission
- plan image-taking scheme based on mission objectives using ground
track information, attitude timeline, TDRSS coverage, etc.
- In Flight
- conduct image-taking scheme
- replan as desired based on real-time changes, e.g. cloud cover, orbiter-driven attitude, etc.
- download and display digital images; Internet distribution available
- execute PCMCIA disk management commands
- monitor operation, health, and status of SCS and environs
- Postflight
- Analyze data and images
- Archive data and images
At this time NASA/GSFC will provide a 35mm Nikon F4 Film Camera and a Kodak DCS 420C Digital Camera within the SCS. Alternatively, other cameras and sensors supllied by the user may be considered use within the confines of the canister. The specifications of NASA/GSFC provided cameras are as follows:
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35mm Nikon F4 Film Camera
| Capability |
Descriptions |
| Film Type |
Any 35 mm film (color, black
and white, infrared, etc.) |
| Film Speed |
Range of 25 ASA to 3200
ASA |
| Exposures |
250 |
| Shooting Flexibility |
Uses Nikon MF-24 auto-winding
camera back Real-time or time-tagged command |
| Frame Capability |
Single picture
Continuous pictures up to rate of 0.4 sec/frame (approx. 2.5 frames/sec)
Note: 5 frames/sec possible, programmed preflight |
Focus,
Shutter Speed,
Aperture |
User's choice to set pre-mission
or set fully automatic |
| Imprint Availability |
Yes |
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Kodak DCS 420c Digital Camera
| Capability |
Descriptions |
| Digital Quality |
Uses 1524 x 1012 CCD Array; 24 bit color |
| Storage Capacity |
PCMCIA hard disk stores up to 200 pictures (1.68 Mb/image) |
| Download Speed |
100 Kbits/sec (uses KU band)
Note: KU band is a 12 GHz signal. It is used by satellites for broadcasting live and unedited shows for satellite dish reception. This is opposite the use of the C-band. The Ku band is measured in decibels; the C-band is measured in degrees. The lower the measurement, the better the picture. |
| Shooting
Flexibility |
Real-time or time-tagged command |
| Frame Capability |
Single picture
Continuous pictures: 5 images/2.25 sec. burst, 1 frame every 3 sec. |
Focus,
Shutter Speed,
Aperture |
User's choice
to set pre-mission or set fully automatic |
| Pixel Quality |
User's choice: thumbnail 98 Kpixels and/or full image (1.5Mpixels) |
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