EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE VIDEO SYSTEM

Abstract

The Delta expendable launch vehicle has been flying onboard video cameras. The camera is an NTSC analog camera that directly modulates an FM transmitter. A standard FM deviation is used to maximize link performance while minimizing transmitted bandwidth. Pre-emphasis per CCIR recommendation 405 is used to improve the video signal-to-noise ratio. The camera and transmitter obtain power from either a separate battery or the vehicle power system. Lighting is provided by sunlight, or a light may be added when sunlight is unavailable. Multiple cameras are accommodated by either using multiple transmitters or by switching the individual cameras in flight. IRIG-B timing is used to correlate the video with other vehicle telemetry.