EagleCam

EagleCam [Embry-Riddle]

The EagleCam camera unit will be released just prior to landing, approximately 30 meters above the lunar surface, taking pictures of the dust plume as the Nova-C IM-1 descends. EagleCAM is intended to capture the first-ever third person view of a spacecraft extraterrestrial landing and to uncover new scientific findings through dust plume imagery, dust accumulation analysis, and lunar surface imagery.

The CubeSat camera system, slated for launch in mid-February 2024, is being designed and built by Embry-Riddle engineering students and faculty researchers. More than just a camera, EagleCam will also uncover new scientific findings through dust plume imagery, dust accumulation analysis, and lunar surface imagery.

EagleCam was not ejected as planned before landing because the software on the lander was revised to make use of the Navigation Doppler Lidar data after the loss of the primary landing laser rangefinders.