EARTH-ORBITAL ELECTRO-OPTICAL MULTIBAND CAMERA

Abstract

Multiband photography has been used 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 summarizes the test parameters and testing philosophy of several electro-optical devices. The results of camera tube testing indicate that vidicons similar to the RCA 4589 are suitable for a multiband electro-optical camera system. Results of image tube testing indicate that careful specifying of imaging performance is necessary, and results of coupled camera tube /image tube testing indicate that improvement is necessary for coupling the fiber optics. It is recommended that the vidicon be used at rather high dark current (~100 nA) and that dark current subtraction be employed for the flight program.