Pioneer 11 Saturn Display System

Pioneer 10 encountered the planet Jupiter on 3 December 1973. Pioneer 11 encountered Jupiter on 2 December 1974 and subsequently encountered the planet Saturn - on 1 September 1979. Pioneers 10 and 11 both used the Pioneer Image Converter System (PICS), which was designed to convert imaging mode digital imaging signals into TV signals for nationwide distribution. The PICS performed digital-to-analog conversion and also performed the data-rate upconversion necessary to produce a TV signal from the very low data rate of the Imaging Photopolarimeter (IPP). The IPP is briefly described, showing the method used to produce the images. The PICS processed the red and blue data from the IPP in order to form a synthetic green TV signal so that cosmetically appealing displays of the planetary images could be created. The PICS proved to be an invaluable aid to observers and mission operation personnel during encounter periods. The performance of the IPP was monitored and the image quality was evaluated in real time using the PICS.

Print ISSN

0036-1682

Published

1980-08

Content type

Original Research

DOI

10.5594/J01581