NASA has tested a high-speed, high dynamic range camera that attempted to record propulsion video data during a Space Launch System full-scale booster test.
The space agency said Friday the High Dynamic Range Stereo X project’s goal was to design a camera that could record and combine multiple slow motion video exposure into a high dynamic range video that exposes all areas of the image to address rocket motor test filming issues.
“I was able to clearly see the exhaust plume, nozzle and the nozzle fabric go through its gimbaling patterns, which is an expected condition, but usually unobservable in slow motion or normal playback rates,†said Howard Conyers, NASA Stennis Space Center structural dynamist.
NASA added HiDyRS-X will continue through tests at Stennis and a second prototype will be built through the use of data collected from previous experimentation to get added dynamic range capacity as well as alignment and multiple exposure settings.
The space agency’s Early Career Initiative introduced the HiDyRS-X project in support of efforts to give young engineers the opportunity to lead projects and develop hardware.
Innovative Imaging and Research helped the space agency complete an initial proof of concept and preliminary design review as well as tested the system on small rocket nozzle plumes, NASA noted.
