 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
XMM Space Telescope Takes Self Portrait
Paris - December 11, 1999 - The XMM spacecraft, launched on 10 December from Kourou, has sent back pictures of itself in space. The photographs were taken by two micro-cameras placed on the exterior of the spacecraft's focal plane assembly. Provided by OIP, subsidiary of Delft Sensor Systems, Antwerp, Belgium, the two cameras (10 x 6 x 6cm) each weigh but 430 grams. Picture taken by XMM's FUGA camera showing the telescope tube and one solar array on the left. At the top of the picture, one sees the edges of the now deployed telescope sunshield. What appears as a white boom in centre is in fact one of the fixed lateral sunshield panels, seen side-on. 10 December 1999, 5 hours after launch. The cameras are of two types: the FUGA camera has a logarithmic response, with a high dynamic range, providing a black and white picture. The exposure time of the second IRIS camera with a colour filter, can be modified. The field of view of both cameras is fixed (approx. 40 deg x 40 deg), giving a view along the telescope tube towards the service platform and the solar arrays. These pictures were taken just under five hours after liftoff, at 19:25 UT (20:25 CET). XMM was then at an altitude of 55,300 km above the Earth's surface. Because of constraints due to the spacecraft's orientation at this time, the cameras could not have a view showing our planet.
Related Links
Nano and MicroSats At SpaceDaily
Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Space
Satellite Launch To Boost DTH In India
Calcutta, India (SPX) Dec 28, 2005The successful launch Thursday of India's heaviest satellite from spaceport of Kourou in French Guyana may have boosted the country's space research efforts to yet another level, but it has also lifted the spirits of at least three Direct-To-Home televisions broadcasters, one of which has been waiting for years to launch its services in India.
--------------------------------------------------------- It's new. And it's downright terrific! Celestron's CPC Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope is the scope you've been waiting for! It offers new alignment technology, advanced engineering, and bold new design at a new, low price! In fact, Celestron's Professional Computerized (CPC) scope with revolutionary SkyAlign Alignment Technology redefines everything that amateur astronomers are looking for. It offers quick and simple alignment, GPS technology, unsurpassed optical quality, ease of use, advanced ergonomics, enhanced computerization and, most important, affordability. Want to view M-31 tonight? One button takes you there!
Shop for telescopes online at Telescopes.com! today!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
El Segundo - October 11, 1999 - The picosat launch will take place from the Spaceport Systems International (SSI) Commercial Spaceport at Vandenberg. It is to be the inaugural launch of the Orbital/Suborbital Program Space Launch Vehicle developed by the Air Force Space and Missile System Center's Test and Evaluation Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base. It also is to be the first launch from the commercial spaceport.