Lunar Orbiter Camera

H. K. Heen, W. C. Wilson, J. Widmer, D. J. Stone, E. E. Boase

Lunar Orbiter's photographic requirements include both wide- and narrow-angle coverage. A dual camera system using an 80mm Schneider-Xenotar lens and a high-quality 24-in. Pacific Optical Co. Paxoramic lens was selected to fulfill these requirements. The formats were on a single strand of 70mm film with minimum interframe spacing. The velocity-height (V/H sensor) optical detector, which monitors the lunar terrain prior to and during photography, was designed and packaged to provide image motion compensation from its output drive to both camera platens. Of significance to camera performance is the vacuum system which actuates the platen clamp mechanisms as well as provides a differential pressure to flatten the film on the platens. Because of the delicate interrelations existing in a minimum-weight, high-acuity system, solutions to a number of problems were more logically and economically obtained after hardware was available and controlled tests of the complete assembly were possible. Some of the techniques developed are reviewed along with some highlights of system performance. The Lunar Orbiter cameras constitute a significant departure from classical design and fabrication concepts, and their performance has equalled or exceeded prediction.

Print ISSN
Published
1967-08
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J09114