Design concept for a secondary-payload Earth observation camera

摘要

The concept of the small, medium resolution Earth observation camera (14 - 20 m per pixel) using a joint transform optical correlator is proposed. The camera is intended to be used as a secondary payload for low orbit, 3-axis stabilized spacecraft, including ones with moderate attitude stability. The optical correlator is used for a real-time determination of the camera pointing motion for posteriori correction of the image distortions due to attitude unstability. A wide angle lens and long assembly of the line sensors in the focal plane permit to change the view direction without need to move the satellite or camera elements. A possible layout of the optoelectronic unit is described and the results of simulated experiments, expected performances and size estimations are given.