NASA Remote Imaging System Acquisition

Abstract

The purpose of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Remote Imaging System Acquisition (RISA) space camera prototype is to integrate six existing optical instruments into a single system that will withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations, high radiation, and variable pressures of the space environment. This technical report describes the state of the previous year's prototype and details our efforts toward the progression of the design to a functional, high quality instrument. Appendices are included detailing the current state of work and the next steps for the team that takes on this project next year. The focus of the work this year was to design a broadband variable-focus camera using novel imaging components, troubleshoot the previous year's I2C code, design a wireless information transfer system and conceptualize a flight ready mechanical design for future implementation. Our final design utilizes a liquid lens in conjunction with a cerium doped double gauss, eliminating more traditional mechanical focusing mechanisms. The camera will be controlled wirelessly through 802.11g protocol by the base system, with image data downloaded at projected speeds of 54 kBps.