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Gravity Probe B

Testing Einstein's Universe

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 7 November 1997:

STANFORD HIGHLIGHT
Under the direction of Dr. Hiro Uematsu and Dr. Lisa Ward the Global Positioning Receiver (GPS) CDR1 has been successfully completed on 11/3/97. A late change in the supplier of the GPS receiver and antennae, from Loreal to Trimble Navigation, has made it necessary to schedule a CDR2 for 8/98. The CDR2 review will cover the solutions to the open issues from CDR1.

SPACE VEHICLE HIGHLIGHT
Assembly and harnessing of the 18 flight unit helium thrusters for GP-B has been completed. Acceptance testing of the thrusters has begun. Additionally, the two qualification unit thrusters, which are undergoing a four year life test, successfully completed their first six month interim functional test. Thermal vacuum cycle tests of the Flexible Optical Surface Reflector (FOSR) to test the adhesive strength and electrical resistivity of the new pressure-sensitive, electrically conductive adhesive were successfully completed.

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