Payload topography camera of Chang＇e-3

• Published in: 天文和天体物理学研究：英文版 2015 (11), p.1881-1892
• Main Author: Guo-Bin Yu En-Hai Liu Ru-Jin Zhao Jie Zhong Xiang-Dong Zhou Wu-Lin Zhou Jin Wang Yuan-Pei Chen Yong-Jie Hao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 图像压缩; 地形地貌; 探测任务; 月球探测器; 月球表面; 有效载荷; 相机; 着陆器
• ISSN: 1674-4527; 2397-6209

Chang＇e-3 was China＇s first soft-landing lunar probe that achieved a successful roving exploration on the Moon. A topography camera functioning as the lander＇s “eye” was one of the main scientific payloads installed on the lander. It was composed of a camera probe, an electronic component that performed image compression, and a cable assembly. Its exploration mission was to obtain optical images of the lunar topography in the landing zone for investigation and research. It also observed rover movement on the lunar surface and finished taking pictures of the lander and rover. After starting up successfully, the topography camera obtained static images and video of rover movement from different directions, 360？panoramic pictures of the lunar surface around the lander from multiple angles, and numerous pictures of the Earth. All images of the rover, lunar surface, and the Earth were clear, and those of the Chinese national flag were recorded in true color. This paper describes the exploration mission, system design, working principle, quality assessment of image compression, and color correction of the topography camera. Finally, test results from the lunar surface are provided to serve as a reference for scientific data processing and application.