RPL Camera Project
Coordinated camera selection and testing alongside design and implementation for the CHASER capsule and camera bay for the Malibu flight vehicle. Evaluated 12+ options.
As part of the Malibu flight vehicle program, I conducted a comprehensive camera trade study to identify the optimal payload camera for the CHASER capsule, which captures in-flight imagery for telemetry validation and post-mission analysis. The process involved evaluating multiple camera modules based on parameters like sensor type, resolution, frame rate, weight, volume, power efficiency, and cost.
Using a quantitative scoring system, I compared nine candidate cameras and tested the top-performing models under simulated flight conditions to assess image stability, heat tolerance, and data reliability. This analysis led to the selection of a lightweight, high-resolution camera optimized for aerodynamic constraints and real-time video transmission.
Conducted various thermal tests and worked on CAD design, sizing and fit. CHASER was successfully implemented on the Malibu flight vehicle and operated flawlessly.
