STAR: Satellite
Test Assistant Robot Infrared Thermal Imaging System
For the first time spacecraft test engineers at JPL are able to evaluate
flight-hardware as it undergoes rigorous thermal/vacuum testing using an
advanced imaging system that provides mobile non-contact temperature measurements
and high resolution video.
The advanced imaging capability is part of the instrument payload of a newly
developed Satellite Test Assistant Robot (STAR). STAR allows engineers to
remotely position a multi-axis inspection robot inside the space-simulation
chambers during spacecraft testing.
The imaging system consists of three vacuum-rated, high-resolution black
and white CCD cameras, one of which is fitted with a remotely operated zoom
lens, an advanced infrared thermal imaging radiometer (IR Camera) and a
controlled lighting source. The video and thermal images can be viewed,
captured and processed remotely at an Operator Control Station (OCS).
The IR Camera is a commercially built unit adapted for use in hard vacuum,
low temperature environments. The IR Camera is equipped with a broad-band
scanner capable of imaging over the entire 3- 12 um spectrum. It has an
electric stirling cycle microcooller which eliminates the need for constant
LN2 refilling of the IR detector. It also has an electro-optical zoom capability
and high spatial resolution. There are several modes of operation that allow
real-time image averaging, line scanning with variable time integration,
variable area temperature analysis, histograms, and variable ranges of dual
isotherms. All the images are real-time and can be record on standard video
tape or captured and stored in a tiff file format. The three B&W CCD
video cameras are arranged to provide mono or stereoscopic (3-D) viewing
with a scalable field of depth perception.
In September 1993, the imaging system was integrated with a three axis version
of STAR and tested in JPL's 10-Foot Thermal/Vacuum Test Chamber. Vacuum
levels reached 6 x 10-7 TORR and cold wall temperatures where at -190°C.
The imaging system provided vivid images of a Cassini Spacecraft RTG, also
under test, which reached temperatures exceeding +250°C.
STAR's advanced imaging system provides a completely new tool-set for evaluating
and validating spacecraft and flight hardware prior to launch. Its thermal
imaging camera allow engineers for the first time a non-conta ct method
for determining temperatures on critical spacecraft surfaces such as so
lar panels, radiators and antenna and thermally mapping the entire outside
surfaces of a spacecraft. STAR will also aid in the calibration and maintenance
of the test chambers. Its most significant contribution may be that it provides
engineers with a means of addressing unforeseen anomalies that often occur
during the complicated spacecraft testing process.
Point of Contact:
Charles Weisbin
Mail Stop 180-603
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA 91109
818-354-2013
charles_r_weisbin@jpl.nasa.gov
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Last updated: May 10, 1996