Test target: Difference between revisions
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A '''test target''' (for spacecraft) is a common feature on interplanetary landing craft such as the [[Viking Lander]] and [[Mars Exploration Rover]]s. | A '''test target''' (for spacecraft) or '''calibration target''' is a common feature on interplanetary landing craft such as the [[Viking Lander]] and [[Mars Exploration Rover]]s.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kinch |first1=Kjartan |last2=Hilverda |first2=Mark |last3=Madsen |first3=Morten Bo |last4=Bell |first4=Jim |url=https://www.planetary.org/articles/calibrating-mars |title=Calibrating Mars |work=[[The Planetary Society]] |date=14 December 2020 |access-date=3 June 2025 |quote=Every NASA surface mission ever sent to Mars has had a calibration target.}}</ref> | ||
The target is usually a visible marker or plate on the exterior of the vehicle within sight of the lander's imaging system (usually a [[Charge-coupled device|CCD]] [[camera]]). The target possesses samples of [[primary colors]] and a [[grey scale]]. The camera uses this much like a photographer would use a [[chip chart]] on Earth; the color samples allow the camera to compensate for [[white balance]] and [[contrast (vision)|contrast]]. The target provides a visual reference as well, so that the initial [[Orientation (geometry)|orientation]] of the camera can be fixed. | The target is usually a visible marker or plate on the exterior of the vehicle within sight of the lander's imaging system (usually a [[Charge-coupled device|CCD]] [[camera]]). The target possesses samples of [[primary colors]] and a [[grey scale]].<ref name="jpl-20120207">{{cite web |url=https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/mars-bound-nasa-rover-carries-coin-for-camera-checkup/ |title=Mars-Bound NASA Rover Carries Coin for Camera Checkup |work=[[JPL]] |publisher=[[NASA]] |date=7 February 2012 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> The camera uses this much like a photographer would use a [[Color chart|chip chart]] on Earth; the color samples allow the camera to compensate for [[white balance]] and [[contrast (vision)|contrast]]. The target provides a visual reference as well, so that the initial [[Orientation (geometry)|orientation]] of the camera can be fixed.<ref name="jpl-20120207" /> | ||
On the Mars Exploration Rover, the target was designed | On the [[Mars Exploration Rover]]s, the target was designed in the shape of a [[sundial]] mounted on the rover deck with colored blocks in the corners for color calibration.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-exploration-rovers-spirit-and-opportunity/science-instruments/#Calibration-Targets |title=Mars Exploration Rovers Science Instruments {{!}} Calibration Targets |work=[[NASA]] |date=22 March 2024 |access-date=3 June 2025}}</ref> | ||
== References == | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Test Target}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Test Target}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:18, 3 June 2025
A test target (for spacecraft) or calibration target is a common feature on interplanetary landing craft such as the Viking Lander and Mars Exploration Rovers.[1]
The target is usually a visible marker or plate on the exterior of the vehicle within sight of the lander's imaging system (usually a CCD camera). The target possesses samples of primary colors and a grey scale.[2] The camera uses this much like a photographer would use a chip chart on Earth; the color samples allow the camera to compensate for white balance and contrast. The target provides a visual reference as well, so that the initial orientation of the camera can be fixed.[2]
On the Mars Exploration Rovers, the target was designed in the shape of a sundial mounted on the rover deck with colored blocks in the corners for color calibration.[3]