Brian Carcich

Latchmoor Services, LLC

View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-1569.vid Optical navigation (OpNav) is a critical subsystem of the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission, which operated in the vicinity of near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu from August 2018 through April 2021. A substantial amount of mission resources across multiple subsystems and insti...

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

The Kuiper Belt is a distant region of the Solar System. On 1 January 2019, the New Horizons spacecraft flew close to (486958) 2014 MU69, a Cold Classical Kuiper Belt Object, a class of objects that have never been heated by the Sun and are therefore well preserved since their formation. Here we describe initial results from these encounter observa...

The atmosphere of Mars is thin, although rich in dust aerosols, and covers a dry surface. As such, Mars provides an opportunity to expand our knowledge of atmospheres beyond that attainable from the atmosphere of the Earth. The InSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport) lander is measuring Mars’s atmosph...

The Kuiper Belt is a distant region of the outer Solar System. On 1 January 2019, the New Horizons spacecraft flew close to (486958) 2014 MU69, a cold classical Kuiper Belt object approximately 30 kilometers in diameter. Such objects have never been substantially heated by the Sun and are therefore well preserved since their formation. We describe...

The OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission is the third mission in National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s New Frontiers Program and is the first U.S. mission to return samples from an asteroid to Earth. The most important decision ahead of the OSIRIS-REx team is the selection of a prime sample-site on the surface of asteroid (101...

The OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission is the third mission in NASA's New Frontiers Program and is the first U.S. mission to return samples from an asteroid to Earth. The most important decision ahead of the OSIRIS-REx team is the selection of a prime sample-site on the surface of asteroid (101955) Bennu. Mission success hinges on identifyin...

The New Horizons encounter with the Pluto system was a historic achievement in planetary exploration. Launched on January 19, 2006, the spacecraft executed its close encounter with Pluto on July 14, 2015, acquiring the first-ever close up data of Pluto, its five known satellites, and the surrounding plasma and particle environment. During its 9½ ye...

The vast, deep, volatile-ice-filled basin informally named Sputnik Planum is central to Pluto's vigorous geological activity(1,2). Composed of molecular nitrogen, methane, and carbon monoxide ices(3), but dominated by nitrogen ice, this layer is organized into cells or polygons, typically about 10 to 40 kilometres across, that resemble the surface...

New Horizons unveils the Pluto system In July 2015, the New Horizons spacecraft flew through the Pluto system at high speed, humanity's first close look at this enigmatic system on the outskirts of our solar system. In a series of papers, the New Horizons team present their analysis of the encounter data downloaded so far: Moore et al. present the...

New Horizons unveils the Pluto system In July 2015, the New Horizons spacecraft flew through the Pluto system at high speed, humanity's first close look at this enigmatic system on the outskirts of our solar system. In a series of papers, the New Horizons team present their analysis of the encounter data downloaded so far: Moore et al. present the...

New Horizons unveils the Pluto system In July 2015, the New Horizons spacecraft flew through the Pluto system at high speed, humanity's first close look at this enigmatic system on the outskirts of our solar system. In a series of papers, the New Horizons team present their analysis of the encounter data downloaded so far: Moore et al. present the...

The Pluto system was recently explored by NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, making closest approach on 14 July 2015. Pluto’s surface displays diverse landforms, terrain ages, albedos, colors, and composition gradients. Evidence is found for a water-ice crust, geologically young surface units, surface ice convection, wind streaks, volatile transport,...

NASA’s EPOXI mission used the Deep Impact (DI) Flyby spacecraft to deliver a payload of three scientific instruments, two visible cameras and an IR spectrometer, to a close flyby of Comet 103P/Hartley 2 in November 2010. Interpretation of the scientific measurements made using these instruments depends on accurate calibration of the instruments’ pe...

Commanding the payload on a spacecraft (“uplink” sequencing and command generation) and processing the instrument data returned (“downlink” data processing) are two primary functions of Science Operations on a mission. While vitally important, it is sometimes surprisingly difficult to connect data returned from a spacecraft to the corresponding com...

NASA’s Stardust–NExT mission used the Stardust spacecraft to deliver a scientific payload, including a panchromatic visible camera designated NAVCAM, to a close flyby of Comet 9P/Tempel 1 in February 2011. Proper interpretation of the NAVCAM images depends on accurate calibration of the camera performance. While the NAVCAM had been calibrated durin...

The Deep Impact Spacecraft flew past Comet 103P/Hartley 2 on November 4th, 2010. Images revealed the comet to be enveloped in a field of debris composed of fine grained dust, ice, and hundreds of discrete millimeter to decimeter sized particles. In this work, a selection of the brightest particles are identified and photogrammetrically located in 3...

A flaw in the pre-launch calibration system resulted in an inability to accurately focus the Deep Impact’s High Resolution Instrument (HRI). This defocus resulted in a significant loss of resolution. The nature of the blurring function allows us to use image restoration techniques to retrieve much of the lost resolution. These techniques can produc...

We present and analysis of the excited spin state of comet 103P/Hartley and show how the total angular momentum varies through the DIXI encounter.

An overview of the discoveries and results made by the Stardust-NExT Science Team at the second encounter with comet 9P/Tempel 1 will be presented.

This data set contains raw, 1.05- to 4.8-micron spectra of Mars acquired by the High Resolution Infrared Spectrometer (HRII) for the EPOCh project during the second cruise phase of the EPOXI mission. One set of observations was acquired on 20-21 November 2009 to characterize Mars as an analog for extrasolar planets. The observing period lasted appr...

This data set contains raw narrow band filter images (350-950 nm) images of Mars acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Visible CCD (HRIV) for the EPOCh project during the second cruise phase of the EPOXI mission. One set of observations was acquired on 20-21 November 2009 to characterize Mars as an analog for extrasolar planets. The observing...

This data set contains calibrated narrow band filter images (350-950 nm) images of Mars acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Visible CCD (HRIV) for the EPOCh project during the second cruise phase of the EPOXI mission. One set of observations was acquired on 20-21 November 2009 to characterize Mars as an analog for extrasolar planets. The o...

This dataset contains raw, 1.05- to 4.8-micron spectral images of comet 103/P Hartley 2 acquired by the High Resolution Infrared Spectrometer (HRII) from 01 October through 26 November 2010 during the Hartley 2 encounter phase of the EPOXI mission.

This dataset contains calibrated, 1.05- to 4.8-micron spectral images of comet 103/P Hartley 2 acquired by the High Resolution Infrared Spectrometer from 01 October through 26 November 2010 during the Hartley 2 encounter phase of the EPOXI mission.

This dataset contains raw clear-filter images of comet 103/P Hartley 2 acquired by the High Resolution Visible CCD (HRIV) from 05 September through 26 November 2010 during the Hartley 2 encounter phase of the EPOXI mission. Four color-filter sets (350-950 nm) were acquired during the hour about closest approach.

This dataset contains calibrated clear-filter images of comet 103/P Hartley 2 acquired by the High Resolution Visible CCD (HRIV) from 05 September through 26 November 2010 during the Hartley 2 encounter phase of the EPOXI mission. Four color-filter sets (350-950 nm) were acquired during the hour about closest approach.

The Deep Impact spacecraft flew by comet 103P/Hartley 2 on November 4, 2010 (EPOXI mission) [1] and comet 9P/Tempel 1 on July, 4, 2005 (Deep Impact mission) [2]. During the two flybys, spatially resolved infrared (1.05-4.85 μm) spectra of the surface of the nucleus were acquired by the HRIIR instrument. The analysis of these two datasets, obtained...

On February 14, 2011 Stardust-NExT flew by Comet Tempel 1, the target of the Deep Impact mission in 2005, obtaining dust measurements and highresolution images of areas surrounding the 2005 impact site, and extending coverage to almost two thirds of the nucleus surface. No large-scale morphologic or photometric changes have occurred in the region o...

Understanding how comets work—what drives their activity—is crucial to the use of comets in studying the early solar system. EPOXI (Extrasolar Planet Observation and Deep Impact Extended Investigation) flew past comet 103P/Hartley 2, one with an unusually small but very active nucleus, taking both images and spectra. Unlike large, relatively inacti...

We report an improved measurement of the rotational axis orientation of Asteroid (4) Vesta. By analyzing and combining all previous measurements using a limb-fitting technique from ground/HST data collected from 1983 to 2006, we derive a pole solution of (RA = 304.5°, Dec = 41.5°). Images of Vesta acquired with the Wide Field Camera 3 onboard the H...

The scientific goals of the Stardust-NExT mission to comet 9P/Tempel 1 include imaging 25% of the area imaged by the Deep Impact mission at a resolution of at least 80 m/pixel looking for changes to the surface, imaging, at the highest possible resolution, of the artificial crater created during the Deep Impact encounter (349W, -26), and imaging co...

Saturn's moon Hyperion is known for its non-synchronous rotation, unlike the other regular moons of Saturn, but for changing its rotation state over a matter of orbits. The Voyager flyby showed a moon in non-principal axis rotation, with a spin axis near the moon's long axis and a rate of over four times the orbital rate. Dynamical studies by Wisdo...

The Extrasolar Planet Observation Characterization and the Deep Impact Extended Investigation missions (EPOXI) are currently observing the transits of exoplanets, a comet nucleus at short range, and Earth using the High Resolution Instrument (HRI) - a 0.3 m f/35 telescope - on the Deep Impact flyby spacecraft. The HRI is in a permanently defocused...

The Deep Impact mission created an artificial crater on Comet 9P/Tempel 1, but did not succeed in obtaining imagery of the crater. The Stardust-NExT mission in now on course to visit Tempel 1 on Feb. 14, 2011 and, among other objectives, hopefully capture images of the crater. This goal requires that the spacecraft arrive at a time that ensures tha...

Introduction: Before lunar samples were returned to Earth, it was shown that linear polarization curves and albedo measurements of the moon and asteroids could be used to predict the regolith surface texture of these bodies (1). The prediction that lunar mare rego- lith is texturally similar to finely pulverized lava basalts was confirmed by return...

This data set contains raw science calibration images acquired by the Deep Impact Impactor Targeting Sensor Visible CCD during the cruise phase of the mission.

This data set set contains version 1.0 of calibrated narrow band filter images (350-950 nm) of Earth acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Visible CCD during the EPOCh phase of the EPOXI mission. Three sets of observations were acquired on 18-19 March, 28-29 May, and 4-5 June 2008 to characterize Earth as an analog for extrasolar planets. Eac...

This data set contains raw calibration spectra acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Infrared Spectrometer from 04 October 2007 through 08 October 2008 for the EPOXI mission.

The Level 1 science requirements for the STARDUST/NExT mission to comet 9P/Tempel 1 include imaging coverage of at least 25% of the surface imaged by the Deep Impact (DI) mission at a resolution of 80 m/pixel or better. Secondary requirements include imaging the artificial crater created during the DI encounter the highest possible resolution, and...

This data set contains reduced images of comet 9P/Tempel 1 acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Instrument Visible CCD during the encounter phase of the mission.

This data set contains raw spectra for science calibrations acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Instrument Infrared Spectrometer during the cruise phase of the mission.

This data set includes the complete set of New Horizons (NH) SPICE data files (``kernel files''), which can be accessed using SPICE software. The SPICE data contains geometric and other ancillary information needed to recover the full value of the science instrument data. In particular SPICE kernels provide spacecraft and planetary ephemerides, ins...

This data set set contains version 1.0 of raw, 1.05- to 4.8-micron spectra of Earth acquired by the High Resolution Infrared Spectrometer (HRII) during the EPOCh phase of the EPOXI mission. Three sets of observations were acquired on 18-19 March, 28-29 May, and 4-5 June 2008 to characterize Earth as an analog for extrasolar planets. Each observing...

This data set set contains calibrated images of eight known transiting extrasolar planetary systems (hot Jupiters) acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Visible CCD during the EPOCh phase of the EPOXI mission. From 22 January through 31 August 2008 the HRIV CCD collected over 172,000 usable, photometric-quality visible light images of these t...

This data set contains calibrated images of comet 9P/Tempel 1 acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Instrument Visible CCD during the encounter phase of the mission. These observations were used for optical and autonomous navigation (NAV) of the flyby spacecraft as well as for scientific investigations. These data were collected on 3-4 July 2...

This data set set contains version 1.0 of raw narrow band filter images (350-950 nm) of Earth acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Visible CCD during the EPOCh phase of the EPOXI mission. Three sets of observations were acquired on 18-19 March, 28-29 May, and 4-5 June 2008 to characterize Earth as an analog for extrasolar planets. Each obser...

This data set set contains raw images of eight known transiting extrasolar planetary systems (hot Jupiters) acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Visible CCD during the EPOCh phase of the EPOXI mission. From 22 January through 31 August 2008 the HRIV CCD collected over 172,000 usable, photometric-quality visible light images of these transiti...

This data set contains raw 9P/Tempel 1 and calibration images acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Instrument Visible CCD during the encounter phase of the mission. These observations were used for optical and autonomous navigation (NAV) of the flyby spacecraft as well as for scientific investigations. These data were collected from 3 June t...

This data set contains version 2.0 of calibrated images of comet 9P/Tempel 1 acquired by the Deep Impact Impactor Target Sensor Visible CCD after the impactor was released from the flyby spacecraft on 3 July 2005. Version 2.0 includes uncleaned radiance, cleaned radiance, and I-over-F data with improved geometry and revised image start and stop tim...

This data set set contains version 1.0 of calibrated, 1.05- to 4.8-micron spectra of Earth acquired by the High Resolution Infrared Spectrometer (HRII) during the EPOCh phase of the EPOXI mission. Three sets of observations were acquired on 18-19 March, 28-29 May, and 4-5 June 2008 to characterize Earth as an analog for extrasolar planets. Each obs...

This data set contains reduced spectral images of 9P/Tempel 1 acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Instrument Infrared Spectrometer during the encounter phase of the mission.

After its successful impact experiment at Comet 9P/Tempel 1 in 2005, the Deep Impact project was approved for an extended mission to a second comet. Late in 2007, the flyby spacecraft was retargeted for a November 4, 2010 encounter with comet 103P/Hartley 2. This extended mission is highly significant for comparative comet studies because it repres...

This data set contains raw calibration and test images acquired by the Deep Impact High Resolution Instrument Visible CCD during the cruise phase of the mission. These observations were used for optical and autonomous navigation (NAV) of the flyby spacecraft. These data were collected from 14 January to 25 April 2005. Test images of comet 9P/Tempel...

This data set is the collection of documentation for the raw and calibrated data sets from the Deep Impact and EPOXI missions.

Raw temperature measurements from telemetry for the EPOXI mission from 27 sensors located in the HRII, HRIV, and MRI instruments and on the HRI and MRI telescopes, instrument platform, and solar wings of the Deep Impact flyby spacecraft. The data were collected from 17 December 2007 through 31 December 2008, during the first cruise and EPOCh phases...

This data set contains raw calibration images acquired by the Deep Impact Medium Resolution Visible CCD from 04 October 2007 through 17 December 2008 for the EPOXI mission.

This data set set contains version 1.0 of calibrated 750-nm filter images of Earth acquired by the Deep Impact Medium Resolution Visible CCD during the EPOCh phase of the EPOXI mission. The MRI instrument was only used during first Earth observing period on 18-19 March 2008. The observing period lasted approximately 24 hours, and one MRI image was...

This data set contains documentation for the Deep Impact Mission archive. It specifically includes documentation for the raw and reduced cruise and 9P/Tempel 1 encounter data sets (for science and navigation) as well as the laboratory thermal-vacuum data sets.

This data set set contains version 1.0 of raw 750-nm filter images of Earth acquired by the Deep Impact Medium Resolution Visible CCD during the EPOCh phase of the EPOXI mission. The MRI instrument was only used during first Earth observing period on 18-19 March 2008. The observing period lasted approximately 24 hours, and one MRI image was taken s...

This data set contains raw 9P/Tempel 1 and science calibration images acquired by the Deep Impact Deep Impact Medium Resolution Instrument Visible CCD during the 9P encounter phase of the mission.

Data on the UT 2005 June 14 mini-outburst of Comet 9P/Tempel 1 taken from different viewpoints have been examined for morphological differences and parallax. The data were taken with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), from the Deep Impact (DI) spacecraft, and from the Calar Alto Observatory, Spain. The mini-outburst source region was found to be loc...

In July of 2005, the Deep Impact mission collided a 366 kg impactor with the nucleus of Comet 9P/Tempel 1, at a closing speed of 10.2 km s−1. In this work, we develop a first-order, three-dimensional, forward model of the ejecta plume behavior resulting from this cratering event, and then adjust the model parameters to match the flyby-spacecraft ob...

Hubble Space Telescope Observations of asteroid 4 Vesta were acquired on May 14 and 16, 2007 through one complete Vesta rotation to map the southern hemisphere in 4 filters (439, 673, 953, 1042 nm), interpret mineral composition, improve knowledge of spin, pole and shape and search for satellites supporting NASA's Dawn mission. Fits to limb profile...

A high precision spin state for the nucleus of 9P/Tempel 1 is determined. The spin is fully relaxed and in the direct sense. The pole is a RA, Dec (J2000) = 293.8, +72.6° with an absolute uncertainty of 5°. The diurnal spin period in 1.6976 ± 0.00006 d.

A comprehensive observational sequence using the Deep Impact (DI) spacecraft instruments (consisting of cameras with two different focal lengths and an infrared spectrometer) will yield data that will permit characterization of the nucleus and coma of comet Tempel 1, both before and after impact by the DI Impactor. Within the constraints of the mis...

A comprehensive observational sequence using the Deep Impact (DI) spacecraft instruments (consisting of cameras with two different focal lengths and an infrared spectrometer) will yield data that will permit characterization of the nucleus and coma of comet Tempel 1, both before and after impact by the DI Impactor. Within the constraints of the mis...

A NASA mission such as Deep Impact is an example of the range of laboratory and modeling efforts required for projects. As a NASA mission, Deep Impact must archive its data with the Planetary Data System so that the information is available to the scientific community. Since the University of Maryland was both the lead institution for the project a...