Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Wolf, M. R..
The test methods and data reduction techniques used to determine and remove instrumental signatures from Viking Lander camera radiometry data are described. Gain, offset, and calibration constants are presented in tables.
The requirements the performance validation, and interfaces for the RADCAM program, to convert Viking lander camera image data to radiometric units were established. A proposed algorithm is described, and an appendix summarizing the planned reduction of camera test data was included.
The paper discusses Viking lander cameras which have an angular resolution of 0.12 deg, and (for broadband imaging) a resolution of 0.04 deg, used for the acquisition of data in six spectral bands for color and near-infrared imaging. Attention is given to photogrammetric calibration techniques used in the determination of spatial and spectral brightness variations from image data. The effects of sampling on the achievable photogrammetric precision are described along with techniques for preflight spectral calibrations and the corrections required for degradation in the infrared response of the detectors. The effects of the known internal reflections on the qualitative images (such as the appearance of artifact clouds) are presented, noting their effects on skyline radiometry. The qualitative and quantitative effects of the signal quantization are briefly reviewed.
Three types of aerosol were detected from observations of the Martian sky, Phobos, and the sun with the Viking imaging cameras. Atmospheric optical depths were derived from observations of the objects' brightness. Data on the absorption coefficient, mean size, and shape of aerosols were obtained from studies of the sky brightness, using a multiple-scattering computer code. The aerosol types were water ice ground fog, a higher-level ice cloud (polar hood), and soil particles suspended at heights up to 30 km. The properties of each type of aerosol are discussed. The data are subjected to thorough analysis, and the results are summarized.
Transportable high radiance lunar ranging laser system, describing optical equipment in ruby and Nd-glass laser experiments
Transportable laser system for lunar ranging
Photography of Apollo 7 retrofire and service propulsion module reentry and apogee burn of Intelsat 2 F-2 satellite