WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 17 JANUARY 2003:
SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED PAYLOAD TEST (E-28) AT SPACE VEHICLE LEVEL
The space vehicle test team has successfully completed the Payload Performance Test at the Space Vehicle level (E-28). As part of this test sequence,
the gyroscope bump test demonstrated that the science rotors are free to move within the gyroscope housing. The UV lamp test and the vatterfly test showed
function of these systems post space vehicle environments. The window algorithm tested the software and the hardware required to outgas the probe windows
on-orbit. The GMA flow test demonstrated gas flow to the flight gyroscopes. The low temperature bake out operated the hardware and software needed to
perform the on-orbit low temperature bake out of the science instrument. This test also cleansed the cryopump of helium so as to maximize our ground hold
capability at VAFB. Finally, the SQUID Readout Electronics algorithm test checked SRE flight software including the SQUID bracket temperature control on
both flight SQUID brackets. Anomalies associated with the power distribution and attitude control hardware are being worked off line from the main space vehicle
operations. The next large activity is to prepare the vehicle for spin balance.
Photo: The spacecraft outside of the thermal vacuum chamber in the test area.