Skip navigation

Gravity Probe B

Testing Einstein's Universe

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 13 JUNE 2003:

SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THRUSTER TESTING ON SPACE VEHICLE
The space vehicle test team has successfully completed thruster testing on the space vehicle. As part of this testing, helium gas was flowed through each of the space vehicle thrusters and thruster isolation valves (TIV). The vehicle was rotated vertically and the guard tank was filled with liquid helium. The GMA vent line is currently being installed.

Photo: The GP-B spacecraft.

SIM 5 PREPARATIONS NEARLY COMPLETE
Preparations for simulation #5 are nearly complete. This major simulation was successfully dry run in the ITF and on the vehicle. The simulation includes launch, deployment, configuring the vehicle for science, and science operations. In addition, flight-like staffing, mission planning, data processing, the anomaly resolution process, and other flight issues will be tested.

Previous Highlight     
Index of Highlights