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Gravity Probe B

Testing Einstein's Universe

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 5 JANUARY 2001:

PAYLOAD HIGHLIGHT
CM-14 COMPLETED
The payload test team has successfully completed Critical Milestone 14, "Pre-Acoustic Testing Gyro Check-out & Caging". As a result of data acquired from this recent test phase, the refined on-orbit dewar lifetime prediction is 18.9 months. This result is 15 % more than the lifetime requirement of 16.5 months. Preparations are underway to configure the payload for shipment to Lockheed Martin for acoustic test.

Small Photo: Engineer Mike Murray working on the payload.
Large Photo (Click small photo to view): The payload in horizontal position.

SPACE VEHICLE HIGHLIGHT
MECHANICAL GSE READY FOR SHIPMENT TO ACOUSTIC TEST
Lockheed Martin personnel worked over the Christmas holiday to complete modifications to the Mechanical GSE required for the Payload Acoustic Test. Proof Testing of all hardware was completed, and dry runs of operations were performed. The Mechanical GSE is now ready for shipment to Lockheed Martin B/159 in support of the acoustic test.

ECU EMI TESTING IN PROGRESS
The ECU is undergoing EMI testing in B102 for the next two weeks. Upon completion of EMI in mid-Jan, the aft unit will be instrumented and placed in the TV chamber to confirm the UV lamps do not light at elevated temperatures in vacuum because of corona discharge due to box outgassing. Once the UV lamp problem is fixed (e.g., more filter area in ECU box cover over UV lamp section), ATP will be completed.

Photo: GP-B Engineer Bruce Hoyman and Lockheed Martin Technical Operations personnel performing a proof test of the acoustic test configuration. The Hardware under test includes a payload mass simulator, the Space Vehicle Tilt Ring and Dolly, and the acoustic test stand pedestals. The Medium Payload Transporter to be used for transport of the payload is visible in the background.

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