KSC-05pd-1551
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, Fla., the WB-57F aircraft is ready for a test flight. The aircraft will take photos of Space Shuttle Discovery during its launch on Return to Flight mission STS-114. NASA approved the development and implementation of the aircraft-based imaging system, known as the WB-57 Ascent Video Experiment (WAVE). The WAVE provides both ascent and entry imagery and enables better observation of the Shuttle on days of heavier cloud cover and areas obscured from ground cameras by the launch exhaust plume. WAVE comprises a 32-inch-ball turret system mounted on the nose of two WB-57 aircraft. The turret houses an optical bench, providing installation of both HDTV and infrared cameras. Optics consist of an 11-inch-diameter, 4.2 meter fixed-focal-length lens. The system can be operated in both auto track and manual modes.
Usage Rights
Most NASA images are in the public domain and free to use. Credit NASA as the source. Check NASA's media usage guidelines for details. Images featuring identifiable individuals may require additional permissions.
Details
NASA ID
05pd1551
Date Created
July 12, 2005
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Photographer
NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Downloads
Download this image in multiple resolutions. All NASA media are free for public use.