Mapping Camera Aspect Stellar Photography

Description

The purpose of the mapping (metric) camera experiment was to obtain high-quality metric photos of the lunar surface from orbit and stellar photos exposed simultaneously that provided more accurate spacecraft attitude data to aid selenodetic studies. The photographs from this experiment provided a basis for preparing specialized cartographic maps of the lunar surface. The experiment was composed of three instruments -- (1) a 76-mm (3-in) focal length mapping camera, (B) a 76-mm focal length stellar camera, and (C) a laser altimeter. The laser altimeter operated independently of, as well as simultaneously with, the two cameras and provided more accurate altitude data with a 1-mm resolution. The mapping camera provided stereoscopic coverage with 78% forward overlap between successive frames and 55% sidelap between consecutive revolutions. The camera system was mounted in the SIM bay of the Command Service Module. The film used was black and white 3400/E-2 with a frame capacity of 2500. The image area of the photographs were 4.5 by 4.5 in. The film cassette was retrieved from the CSM in an EVA during the return flight.