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Gravity Probe B

Testing Einstein's Universe

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 15 August 1997:

STANFORD HIGHLIGHT
Dr. Barry Muhlfelder and his team have completed the assembly of the first batch of three SQUID carriers for the Science Instrument readout system. The SQUID circuitry is mounted on sapphire carriers, providing good thermal conductivity, and thus allowing ultra stable thermal control of the device. Endurance and acceptance testing of these devices are in progress. All Science Mission SQUID package hardware has been received and is being prepared for integration with the carriers.

SPACE VEHICLE HIGHLIGHT
PAYLOAD HIGHLIGHT

The assembly and test of all Probe-C Segment 2 cables (SQUID read-out, suspension, and ground coax) is complete. The installation paperwork is complete, and integration of the cables into the probe will begin 5 August.

SPACECRAFT HIGHLIGHT

Transmissibility testing on the flight equipment section has begun. This testing uses a low-level shaker input to measure the transmissibility of the Delta II separation event pyroshock loads to critical equipment on the space vehicle. This testing is being done to eliminate any issues before the booster separation test (schedules for late this year). The aft thruster mounts and representative equipment pallet locations are being monitored. The testing is schedule to continue through August..

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