The raw image resolution isn't that bad [1], just that at that distance the planet is still pretty small. The LORRI instrument actually has an 8 inch mirror which is the best ever ever carried to the outer solar system.
As for receiving the high res images, the full data dump will take months after the flyby to be sent back. I read though as a fail safe in case new horizons were to damaged during the flyby that they will be transferring a high res image early into the flyby.
New Horizons is also unable to face Pluto and talk to earth at the same time, which limits what we can get back at this stage.
As for receiving the high res images, the full data dump will take months after the flyby to be sent back. I read though as a fail safe in case new horizons were to damaged during the flyby that they will be transferring a high res image early into the flyby.
New Horizons is also unable to face Pluto and talk to earth at the same time, which limits what we can get back at this stage.
[1] http://pluto.jhuapl.edu/soc/Pluto-Encounter/data/pluto/level...