One of the most important parts of a spacecraft is its cameras, which allow it to navigate and record scientific data. Since launch, the cameras on the Lucy spacecraft have been checked out several times, most recently back in February this year. According to a NASA press release this week, all four cameras on the spacecraft are functioning properly, unlike the solar panels; one of which remains unlatched. However, the spacecraft is still generating 90% of planned power and is expected to successfully complete its mission in this state.

The spacecraft has three different types of cameras: two close-range tracking cameras, a mid-range camera, and a long-range tracking camera. The pair of close-range cameras have the widest field of view and will track the spacecraft’s asteroid targets during the close approach, ensuring the rest of the instruments are pointed correctly.

The mid-range camera, technically part of one of the instruments called L’RALPH, can be used for panoramas. L’RALPH is based on the RALPH instrument on New Horizons.

The final camera, the long-range one, also shares most of its design and construction with the LOng Range Reconnaissance Imager instrument on New Horizons and is called L’LORRI or Lucy LORRI. It will be used for high-resolution images of the targets with a narrow field of view.

The February test demonstrated that all cameras were performing correctly and reaching the required sensitivity, and the camera pointing platform could point with the accuracy needed.

More Information

NASA Goddard press release