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Gravity Probe B

Testing Einstein's Universe

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 4 MAY 2001:

STARTED 95% SUBATMOSPHERIC HELIUM FILL
The payload test team has started the 95% subatmospheric helium fill test phase. The dewar is currently approximately 75% full of normal boiling point helium. The plan is to bring the level of normal boiling point helium close to 100%. Then the team will start pumping operations to practice the pre-launch conditioning of the liquid helium.

Photo: Cyrogenic Ops manager Mike Taber and the Dewar in horizontal position.

SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED Z AND X AXIS AFT SRE B SHAKE
The Aft SRE B electronic box successfully completed Z and X-axis vibe testing and subsequent functional testing on Monday, April 30, 2001. Y-axis testing will be completed later in the week.

Photo: None available this week.

SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED ECU ENVIRONMENTAL TEST
The Forward and Aft ECU boxes have successfully completed environmental testing and are in LM B/205 being prepared for confidence testing installation on the GP-B spacecraft.

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