PASADENA, Calif., April 7 (UPI) -- NASA says the two cameras that will be the main science-imaging system of its Mars Science Laboratory rover Curiosity have been delivered.
The cameras, manufactured by Malin Space Science Systems Inc. of San Diego, will be part of an instrument called Mastcam aboard the rover that is to be launched next year.
"The two component cameras have different fixed focal lengths -- 34 millimeters and 100 millimeters -- and can provide high-definition color video," space agency scientists said in a statement. "NASA is also providing funds for Malin to build an alternative version with zoom lenses on both cameras, in collaboration with movie producer James Cameron, a member of the Mastcam team."
NASA said it will swap the fixed-focal-length pair of cameras for the alternative version with zoom lenses if they can be completed in time for rover testing and assembly.
The rover is being assembled at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.
