The WEBERSAT Camera: An Inexpensive Earth Imaging System

WEBERSAT, a 27 pound LEO satellite launched by the Ariane 40 on January 21, 1990 into a 500 mile polar orbit, carries several payload experiments that were developed as a learning experience for engineering students at Weber State University. The experiments include a modified color CCD camera and video flash digitizer. Operational command and control of the spacecraft and its payloads is performed by students in the College of Applied Science & Technology, from a ground station located on the WSU campus. Here, the students and their advisor's monitor on-board systems, plan & execute experiments, and observe test results. This paper describes the satellite's on-board camera system and will discuss video experiment results to date.