StowCam is a color imager that plays an important role in the guidance, navigation, and control of OSIRIS-APEX. The images captured by this camera aboard the spacecraft before and after the Jan. 2, 2024 perihelion provide fascinating insights into the spacecraft’s performance during extreme conditions.
Despite the higher temperatures experienced during perihelion, there is no visible difference on the spacecraft surfaces, suggesting that they were not altered by the extreme conditions. Additionally, the camera’s performance remained consistent, indicating that it was not affected by perihelion event. This successful performance of StowCam highlights the reliability and effectiveness of this crucial technology aboard OSIRIS-APEX.
The Touch-and-Go Camera System (TAGCAMS), including StowCam, was developed by Malin Space Science Systems and integrated into the OSIRIS-APEX spacecraft by Lockheed Martin who also operates this system. TAGCAMS plays an essential role in the spacecraft’s guidance, navigation and control and its success before and after perihelion demonstrates its effectiveness in harsh conditions.
