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Gravity Probe B

Testing Einstein's Universe

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 23 FEBRUARY 2001:

PAYLOAD READY FOR ACOUSTIC TEST
The payload has been prepared for acoustic test. A configuration review confirmed acoustic test readiness. Following this review, the payload was lifted into its acoustic test position. The plan is to perform a -6 dB run, review the associated test data, and then perform the full 0 dB run.

COMPLETED ACCEPTANCE TESTING OF ARP LAUNCH RESTRAINT MECHANISM
Serial Numbers 002 and 003 of the Attitude Reference Platform Launch Restraint Mechanism have successfully completed Acceptance testing. The series of acceptance tests included Ambient Functional, Random Vibration, and -30 degrees C Thermal Vacuum. The units will be checked into GP-B Flight Stores for installation on to the Space Vehicle.

Photo: LMSS Engineer Neil Geiger with the ALRM in the thermal vacuum chamber in LM B/255.

COMPLETED ECU EMI TESTING
EMI testing was completed this week with final agreement to disposition the noise spike outages in the Conducted Emissions (CE-06) measurements in the 20 MHz to 30 MHz range as "Use As Is." If later fixes are needed they will be incorporated in the harness, external to the ECU. Bonding and isolation tests were completed after all harnesses were removed from the ECU. The Aft ECU has moved from the EMI test area and integrated into the Thermal vacuum test chamber to start the UV lamp investigation. An Ion gage vacuum monitor was installed at the N2 purge inlet to measure the pressure in the ECU enclosure during pump down. The chamber will be pumped over the weekend.

Photo: The Aft SRE electronics.

COMPLETED INTEGRATION OF FWD SRE UNITS
Integration of the Fwd SRE units with the re-worked DAS PWAs was completed. DCMA has bought-off the rework and the assemblies are in box level functional test. A test anomaly (found in this functional test) is in work. The reworked Aft Converter boards have been tested and are in conformal coat.

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