Utilization and mission of optical instruments in space projects
Abstract
Pratical problems associated with the use of spaceborne optical systems are reviewed. These include optical adjustments, calibration (on the ground or in flight), and aging. The wide variety in the configuration of spacecraft imposes an immediate constraint on experimental design. Four examples (the lunar camera; Kalos; Misig; IKS Vega) are offered. The different phases in instrument development are identified. Causes of mission degradation due to reduced optical performance are pointed out. Among these opacification of optical surfaces, oxidation, and deposits out of the satellite atmosphere are noteworthy.
- Publication:
-
The Technology of Spaceborne Sci. Expt.
- Pub Date:
- 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981tsse.nasa..565C
- Keywords:
-
- Optical Equipment;
- Spacecraft Instruments;
- Aging (Materials);
- Calibrating;
- Degradation;
- Experiment Design;
- Operational Problems;
- Optical Properties;
- Resolution;
- Sensitivity;
- Spacecraft Configurations;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation