► Japanese
Field of view Visualizer "FLOW" is released
Field of view Visualizer "FLOW" is released.
"FLOW" creates a simulation-image in an instrument field of view using "SPICE", which is the standard tool
to handle ancillary data such as orbits and attitudes. The simulated images may include stars, planets, asteroids,
and so on. Using "FLOW", users can create an image for an any observational period, even when observation was not actually performed.
"FLOW" enables one to test a dry-run using a predicted orbit. Also, one may calibrate instrument alignments comparing
the simulated images and real images. In addition, high-resolution simulated images may help analyzing the data
from low-resolution instruments.
Many space explorers and satellites use SPICE data, which are downloadable from NASA NAIF website. Japanese
Hayabusa (an asteroid sample return mission) and Kaguya (a lunar orbiter) also use SPICE data, which are
publicly available. (2012 Dec.)
