Development of a dual-camera terrain imager for increasing swath width in space exploration

Abstract

The Lunar Terrain Imager (LUTI), comprising two identical optical systems, serves as a primary payload on the Korean Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter spacecraft. This high-resolution camera is specifically designed to capture lunar surface images and facilitate the identification of potential landing sites for future missions. Leveraging the capabilities of the camera will significantly enhance our understanding of lunar geology, morphology, and evolution, laying a strong foundation for future lunar exploration. This paper introduces the configuration and features of the proposed LUTI camera, a highresolution electro-optical camera. It details the assembly and alignment process, presents performance measurement results, and elucidates its optical characteristics. Through precise alignment and calibration, this camera achieves a required swath width of > 8 km at an altitude of 100 km, providing a broader coverage of the lunar terrain. Its advanced components, including a sun shield and a Cassegrain-type telescope with hyperbolic mirrors, contribute significantly to its high-resolution imaging capabilities. Performance measurement results confirm that the LUTI camera meets the required specifications, including achieving a 10 % performance level for its modulation transfer function. The detailed imagery captured by the LUTI camera lays a strong foundation for future scientific research on the Moon, enabling researchers to conduct in-depth studies and investigations of lunar features and phenomena.