Charge-Coupled Device
A Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) is a type of image sensor used in space and astronautical engineering to capture and convert light into digital signals. It consists of an array of tiny capacitors that can store electrical charges generated by photons. When exposed to light, the charges are transferred from one capacitor to the next until they reach the output amplifier, where they are converted into a digital signal. CCDs are commonly used in space telescopes, planetary probes, and other spacecraft to capture high-resolution images of celestial objects and planets. They are also used in star trackers, which are devices that determine the orientation of a spacecraft by measuring the positions of stars. CCDs have high sensitivity, low noise, and can operate in a wide range of temperatures, making them ideal for space applications.
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