The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Narrow Angle Cameras (NAC) have returned the highest resolution images of the lunar surface yet obtained from orbit (0.5 to 2 m/pixel). NAC stereo images are being used to create topographic models that reveal the relief of lunar landforms.
One reason that the NAC has been so successful is the small but powerful electronics that it utilizes. These circuit boards are all of the electronics used within the NAC to collect the images, process them, and then deliver them to the spacecraft. With a CCD imager, the camera collects the image, and an analog-digital converter converts the raw image into digital format. The image is processed and stored in memory. Once formatted, the image is sent to the spacecraft. These boards represent a great advancement in remote planetary imaging.
The cameras, including their circuitry, were built by Malin Space Science Systems to the specifications of the lead institution, Arizona State University.
These flight spare electronics were transferred to the Museum from Arizona State University.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.