WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 10 July 1998:
STANFORD HIGHLIGHT
The GSS group, led by Bill Bencze and Dave Manner, on Monday 7/6/98
demonstrated several successful gyroscope lifts (in 1G) using
the newly designed analog backup controller. This accomplishment
allows the GSS group to proceed with the flight analog backup
controller design, which was the last major design hurdle for
the GSS.
Although the GP-B program has been suspending gyroscopes for over 20
years, this was a very difficult milestone to achieve. The backup
controller is designed to meet stringent science mission torque
specifications. Furthermore, the system is implemented with all
analog electronics, which must execute a complex nonlinear control
algorithm. Finally, the system must be compatible with the
overall GSS architecture which is more sensitive to transients
and cross-talk than the more rugged laboratory 1G systems.
This is a major accomplishment for the entire GSS group and for
GP-B. Special recognition goes to Mike Irwin who led the design
and test effort with support from Greg Gutt, and to Rob Brumley who
helped develop the initial controller architecture.
SPACE VEHICLE HIGHLIGHT
All eight (seven flight units and one spare) Mass Trim Mechanisms have
completed assembly at Litton PolyTech in Blasksburn Virginia. A Relativity
Mission Mechanical Product Development Team representative performed a
successful cover-off inspection of the units on Tuesday 30 June. The units
are scheduled to begin acceptance testing within a month.