Did you see the see the launch for that new camera. You know. The one with the 2 megapixel sensor … that runs on radioactive decay … and takes landscape photos … of Mars. This new camera was launched (literally) on November 26 and is currently nested in the nosecone of a rocket hurtling towards Mars at a speed of 7500 mph.
Upon arrival on the Martian surface, a new rover will soon begin surveying the landscape and beaming images, videos, and other scientific data back to Earth. Many will remember Spirit and Opportunity, the two lovable rovers who have plodded along the Martian surface for the last seven years (Opportunity is still going). The next generation rover is called Curiosity and it is packed with camera gear designed to show us some spectacular views of the Martian landscape.
So just how do you spec out a camera for Mars? The first and most daunting task is to protect it from the harsh environmental conditions on the Martian surface. The forecast for landing day is -53C. The cameras must also be weather sealed against 90mph wind gusts which blow dust mercilessly around the landscape.
And don’t even bother with a high megapixel sensor. If you think image transfer through a USB cable is slow, try waiting on a 21 megapixel image to arrive from Mars. Instead, the Curiosity rover is modestly equipped with a 2 megapixel sensor and many images will be down sampled before transferring back to Earth. The sensor will, however, be able to rip out 720p video, when needed.
Instead of a single camera, Curiosity will be outfitted with two separate cameras – each with its own fixed focal length lens. As shown in the image below, the two cameras will rest in binocular fashion on a mast high above the rover deck. One camera will house a 100mm lens (perhaps for flattering portraits of any Martians who wander may through the frame) and the other camera will house a wider angle 34mm lens. In what was apparently a hotly contested debate, both cameras were originally planned to be duplicate zoom lenses. But for cost savings and simplicity, the decision was ultimately made to make both lenses fixed focal length. The other features of the Curiosity cameras include a panorama mode which allows 360 degree views of the horizon and a crude stereo mode in which the images of the two cameras can be combined into a quasi-3D image.
Another challenge for the aspiring Martian photographer is color balance. Images on Mars take on a reddish cast due to the dust in the Martian atmosphere. The effect is similar to the slight warming of colors that occurs at sunrise and sunset on Earth. To adjust images to more Earthly tones, a color calibration target has been incorporated onto the rover’s deck (see above). The color calibration target is outfitted with an array of gray and color swatches. Anytime precise color management is required, the rover can simply take an image of the color target and beam it back to an Earthly NASA worker who can adjust the colors in post. In order to avoid dust from completely covering the color target, NASA engineers devised a clever solution. They embedded magnets in the color target to repel Martian dust (which contains high quantities of magnetic iron).
Interested in capturing a stunning sunset on Mars? Better bring your long lens. Being an extra 80 million kilometers farther out into the solar system means that the Sun will show up as a mere dot of light on the Martian horizon.
Sunset over Gusev Crater, Image Credit: Mars Exploration Rover Mission, Texas A&M, Cornell, JPL, NASA
The Curiosity rover is scheduled to land on Mars next year on August 6 2012. Here’s hoping for a safe journey, a safe landing, and some spectacular images.
Further Reading
Mars Science Laboratory Press Kit
Mars Science Laboratory Fact Sheet
MSL Mastcam Flight Instruments
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