MSL Rear Hazcam Thermal Characterization

The Hazcams on the MSL rover are essential for navigation and mobility. Precaution is taken to operate the cameras below their maximum allowable temperatures. The location of the rear hazcams – on each side of the MMRTG module – make it susceptible to overheating during extended daytime use. Prediction tools are currently utilized to estimate a worst-case temperature of the camera, but it has been shown to be over conservative. The goal of this study was to characterize the thermal behavior of the camera in situ, using telemetry as a means to improve the prediction tools. A model was also created to allow for predicting temperatures during any given set of changes in environmental and orientation.