The Navigation and Terrain Cameras on the Tianwen-1 Mars Rover

The Navigation and Terrain Cameras (NaTeCams) are binocular stereo cameras mounted on the Tianwen-1 Mars Rover. The NaTeCams are primarily designed to provide support for the guidance, navigation, and control of the rover, and they can also be used for scientific observations. NaTeCam is a color imaging system using a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel sensor (APS). An overview of the camera design is provided. Preflight calibration and performance are also discussed. Specific details about the camera operation and ground test are presented.

Automated summary

The NaTeCams are binocular stereo cameras mounted on the Tianwen-1 Mars Rover, designed primarily for navigation, control, and scientific observations. Using CMOS technology, the cameras undergo preflight calibration and performance testing.