Optical Test of the Space Shuttle Overhead Windows

Abstract

An optical test of the space shuttle overhead windows was performed to determine how the overhead windows would affect the resolution of in-cabin telescopes such as the Spaceborne Direct-View Optical System (SpaDVOS). The test consisted of four subjects viewing a resolution target through the windows with a telescope composed of the SpaDVOS objective lens and an eyepiece. Data were recorded for three focal lengths, five aperture settings, and nine windows conditions. The results showed the effect of the windows on resolution was not significant at apertures less than approximately two inches. However, the windows did degrade performance for the larger aperture settings. A photographic test and an independent visual test performed by the Aerospace Corporation corroborated these results.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA229919

Entities

People

  • Harold S. Merkel
  • Harry L. Task

Organizations

  • Armstrong Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Biomedical Research
  • Cameras
  • Corporations
  • Degradation
  • Diffraction
  • Engineering
  • Environment
  • Films
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Magnification
  • Optical Materials
  • Optical Properties
  • Photography
  • Space Shuttles
  • Visual Acuity

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.

Technology Areas

  • Space