Rate distortion from planet to paper.

Abstract

The overall data link commences with the lens of the spacecraft camera, followed by the telemetry format, and then the passing of the data onto a spacecraft tape recorder for later transmission at a slower rate. The properties of the individual pieces of information are described, and rate distortion theory is discussed. The video channel from the standpoint of information theory, and fidelity criteria for planetary video are considered. Areas for further research are indicated.