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Low-Altitude Imaging System for Celestials

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to methods of photographing celestial bodies. More specifically, the present invention is a low-altitude imaging system for celestials that have little to no atmosphere. The present invention is able to fire a launch module into the air such that it can take pictures or videos of the surrounding area. The launch module may be recovered to allow for multiple launches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Space exploration is constantly testing the limits of human technology. Ideally, pictures could be taken of the terrain by low-flying vehicles because they would be able to take high quality photos without having to traverse rocky terrain. However, because the atmospheres of many celestial bodies are not as dense as that of Earth, it is very difficult to design and control a flying vehicle for celestial exploration. As a result, pictures are generally either taken by satellites orbiting the celestial body or by the rover itself.
While satellite photos can be very useful, they often do not provide angles that allow for the terrain to be easily analyzed. Pictures taken directly from a rover have the advantage of being taken close to any potential obstacle, allowing for improved image quality.
Accordingly, there is a need for a means of taking aerial photos and videos close to the surface of a celestial body without a reliance on the body’s atmosphere. The present invention is designed to provide this functionality by using a flight module which is launched into the air and follows a quasi ballistic trajectory. In the preferred embodiment, the flight module is launched by compressed air; however alternative methods, including spring-powered launch, may also be used. This invention can be used to help plot out a planned path of travel for a rover and may also be used to see over obstacles, such as hills and rock formations.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention can be repeatedly used to take aerial pictures and videos of the surrounding area. This is done by launching a flight module over a targeted area on a planet or moon. The flight module may record a video throughout the entirety of the module’s trajectory or it may take a picture at the launch module’s maximum height. The present invention comprises a flight module, a launch module, and a recovery module.
The flight module is a small projectile that is launched by the launch module. It is equipped with a camera to allow for pictures to be taken and analyzed. The flight module comprises a shell, a window, a plurality of stabilizer fins, a camera, an accelerometer, a wireless communication unit, a battery, and a power input ring. The shell is a hollow egg-shaped housing that is used to protect the internal components of the flight module and minimize the forces experienced during repeated launches and landings.
The camera attached to the shell and encompassed by the window. Its purpose is to take pictures and record videos of the surrounding terrain when the flight module is in the air. The accelerometer is located inside the shell and is used to analyze the movements of the flight module. After the flight module has been launched, it will follow a ballistic trajectory. The accelerometer is used to detect when the flight module is at its maximum height. It is at this point that the camera is used to take a picture of the terrain below the flight module. The launch module is designed to be mounted to a rover and used to project the flight module high above the ground. The launch module comprises a barrel, a scoop, an air tank, a compressor, a valve, a launch angle actuator, and a power output ring. The barrel of the launch module houses the flight module before launch and is used to aim where the flight module will be launched. The scoop is located on the end of the barrel and is used to recover the flight module.
The launch angle actuator is also used to lower the barrel when retrieving the flight module. When the flight module is recovered, the launch angle actuator may also be used to remove dirt from the barrel by shaking it. Alternatively, this may be done by the rover. To maximize the simplicity of the invention, all azimuth aiming is intended to be done by changing the position of the rover. The power output ring is located around the inside surface of the barrel. When used with the power input ring of the flight module, the power output ring is able to recharge the battery of the flight module. With the two rings aligned, energy is able to transfer to the flight module. In the preferred embodiment, the power output ring receives power directly from the rover. Generally, rovers are equipped with solar panels which provide renewable energy which can be used to power multiple launches.
The recovery module is used to retrieve the flight module after it has been launched. It comprises a tether, a recovery actuator, and a recovery sensor. The tether is attached to the back of the flight module on one end and to the recovery actuator on the other hand. After the flight module has been launched, the tether is used to pull it back to the rover and into the barrel. This eliminates the need for the rover to find the flight module after it lands.