WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 2 FEBRUARY 2001:
COMPLETED CM:15 TRANSPORT TO LMMS FOR ACOUSTIC TESTING
The Gravity Probe B Payload was transported to LM B/159 on Sunday, January 28. The operation went very smoothly and no anomalies were observed. The
Payload was then removed from the transporter and installed in the Space Vehicle Tilt Dolly outside the LM B/159 Acoustic Cell, positioned
inside the cell, and the flight Sunshade installed. Preparations for tilting to vertical and dewar servicing are underway. The expected response
accelerations of the external components are being compared with the qualification test results. After this review is complete, the plan is to perform
the acoustic test.
Photo: LMSSC Engineers Russell Katz, Mitch Skinner and Jeff Vanden Beukel with the GP-B Dewar and Probe at the B/159 Acoustic Cell.
UNCAGED GYROSCOPE TESTING
A set of recent gyroscope experiments, as well as a review of gyroscope test data accumulated over the past several years, has demonstrated that
the transportation and acoustic test of the gyroscope in the uncaged configuration will not damage the flight gyroscopes. This demonstration
was provided prior to the move of the payload as described above so as to ensure gyro safety during transport. The next major goal of this work is
to determine if gyroscope caging is required for launch.
Photo: The mini-quartz block in the clean room during testing.