Design of a stereo multispectral CCD camera for Mars Pathfinder

The Imager for Mars Pathfinder is a stereo multispectral CCD camera designed to support a variety of science experiments from the Martian surface. The camera combines a straightforward imaging system based on a pair of Cooke triplets, fold optics, and a divided 512 by 256 pixel CCD with a complement of spectral and solar filters on two filter wheels. Aluminum and titanium component mountings on an aluminum optical bench provide for a complete pointing and imaging system having a mass of less than 3 kg. The az-el gimbal utilizes gearhead stepper motors to provide a field of regard of 370 degrees in azimuth and 156 degrees in elevation, in support of stereo and monoscopic panoramas and atmospheric studies. This paper discusses mechanical aspects of the optical component mountings and adjustments, as well as structural and mechanical aspects of the gimbal.