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Gravity Probe B

Testing Einstein's Universe

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 5 NOVEMBER 1999:

STANFORD HIGHLIGHT
Phase B of payload test began this past week. The Phase B work completed thus far includes the following:

  1. Disconnected the probe spinup lines, electrical cables, and vacuum lines.
  2. Performed an intentional high rate boiloff of excess liquid helium from the main tank.
  3. Disconnected the helium vent and fill lines.
  4. Removed scaffolding and flooring materials.
  5. Lifted and rotated the payload.
Next, the payload will be tilted horizontally thereby completing phase B of payload test. The team members involved in this work included C. Boyle, C. Gray, J. Janicki, R. Katz, R. Leese, J. Maddocks, M. Taber, H. Tam, C. Warren, and T. Welsh.
13 of the 14 of the PWAs for the GSS have been reviewed by Lockheed Martin and Zentek. The team members involved in this work include B. Bencze, J. Dusenbury, R. Gray, M. Irwin, J. Kilner, E. Koster, D. Manner, S. Smader, and R. Tavernetti.

Photo: Payload test team members in front of the horizontal payload. From left to right, Russ Leese, Ed Ingraham, Chuck Warren, Jon Janicki, Tom Welsh, Mike Taber and Jim Maddocks.

SPACE VEHICLE HIGHLIGHT
Probe B was removed from storage and installed in the B/255 to aid in Probe C performance testing.

Photo: Probe B being lowered on the outer deck of LMMS B/255.

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