NSSDCA ID: 1964-007A-01
Mission Name: Ranger 6Six vidicon TV cameras arranged in two separate channels were designed to transmit high-resolution, closeup television pictures of the lunar surface during a period of 10 min of flight before spacecraft impact on the moon. The two channels had independent power distribution networks and signal links such that the greatest reliability and probability of obtaining highest video pictures would be afforded. Vidicons 1 in. in diameter with an antimony-sulfide oxy-sulfide (ASOS) photoconductor target were used for image sensing in all six cameras. The first channel had two full-scan cameras, on wide-angle and on narrow-angle. These cameras utilized an active image area of 11 sq mm which was scanned with 1152 lines in 2.5 sec. The other channel had four partial-scan cameras, two narrow-angle scan and two wide-angle scan. The image area of these four cameras was 2.8 sq mm and was scanned with 300 lines in 0.2 sec. The camera shutter on all six cameras was an electromagnetically-driven, linearly activated slit, located in front of the vidicon focal plane. The scan and erase cycles were designed to act alternately in the full scan cameras and subsequently in the partial-scan cameras. The instrument allowed for camera field views to overlap and produce a 'nesting' sequence of pictures. No camera data were obtained, probably because of failure due to arc-over in the television power system when it inadvertently turned on during the period f booster-engine separation.
Mass: 173 kg
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Gerard P. Kuiper | Principal Investigator | University of Arizona |