The webcams are sponsored by SpaceRef and makes use of new PlanetNet wireless technology, a Canadian Space Agency funded experiment, led by Simon Fraser University, in a research partnership with the SETI Institute, and with collaboration with researchers at the NASA Ames Research Center.

About the Webcams

We are using three Axis webcams with Pelco camera housings. Two of them are the 2100 model while the last one is a 2120. Rather than having the images pulled directly off the cameras from a web page we have them setup to ftp to a linux server in the field which then securely transfers back to a server on 'Earth'. The transfer is done over a high-bandwith wireless link between our base camp and our satellite dish up on Maynard Hill.

About PlanetNet2

PlanetNet2 is the next-generation of technology being tested by the Canadian Space Agency-funded MarsCanada project, led by Simon Fraser University. The technology is being investigated for long-range, high-bandwidth, non-line of sight communication for planetary exploration. Radio technology is integrated with satellite communications technology to provide for high-quality interaction with researchers in the field.

MarsCanada is a project studying the exploration technology needs for planetary exploration, by supporting exploration of planetary analogues on Earth. Technologies range from radio and satellite communications to advanced computing systems, and on to next-generation voice-based and other sophisticated human interface technologies.

MarsCam1 | MarsCam2 | MarsCam3

Marc Boucher, SpaceRef