EARTH ORBITAL ELECTRO-OPTICAL MULTIBAND CAMERA: IMAGE SENSOR REPORT

Abstract

Multiband photography has been employed for several years as a tool for aerial reconnaissance. Recent experiments indicate a potential value in earth resources studies, particularly those utilizing an electro-optical image sensor. This report lists the imaging properties of an electro-optical multiband camera that uses one combined image tube /camera tube sensor to achieve high- quality imagery with maximum registration between separation images. A study was made to determine which camera tube would be the best choice for the earth resources program. The results of the study indicate the best choice is a standard vidicon with fiber optic faceplate coupled to an image intensifier with an extended red photocathode. This decision was based on lifetime, image quality, ruggedization, and cost criteria.