The Halley multicolour camera
Wilhelm, K.; Keller, H. U.; Kramm, J. R.; Curdt, W.; Schwarz, G.; Angrilli, F.; Schmidt, R.; Gliem, F.; Bianchini, G.; Jamar, C.; Cazes, S.; Delamere, A.; Reitsema, H.; Schmidt, W. K. H.; Krahn, E.; Becker, C.; Engelhardt, W.; Hartwig, H.; Meyer, H. J.; Schmidt, H. P.; Turner, J. J.; Bouyries, P.; Fanti, G.; Brunello, P.; Cucchiaro, A.
Germany
Abstract
The Halley multicolor camera (HMC) is a high-resolution imaging system on board the ESA Giotto spacecraft to comet Halley. The fast spin of this spacecraft (15 RPM) required a unique and highly specialized design and complex fully autonomous operation. Design criteria and trade-offs and operational aspects are emphasized in this instrument description. Actual performance numbers are given whenever available. The imaging quality is demonstrated by sample images taken from the earth and the comet.