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Gravity Probe B

Testing Einstein's Universe

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 13 APRIL 2001:

STARTED POST-ACOUSTIC GYROSCOPE TESTING
The payload test team has completed the configuring of the payload to support the post-acoustic testing of gyroscopes #3 and #4. The operations included rotating the payload to a horizontal orientation and connecting the vacuum and spinup gas lines. Spinup gas flow tests were successfully completed on gyroscopes #3 and #4. In addition, gyroscope #3 was cleanly levitated and pendulated freely. Pendulation motion of this gyroscope revealed high trapped flux requiring a planned flux flushing operation (currently in progress).

Photo: The flight gyroscope and its housing during last year's probe repair inspection.

CCCA DELIVERED TO LOCKHEED MARTIN
The flight CCCA was bought off at the vendor and transported to Lockheed Martin. The CCCA will be installed next week, allowing Spacecraft confidence testing to resume.

Photo: Not available.

SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED ECU THERMAL PENALTY TEST
The flight ECU sucessfully completed the hot, cold and ambient temperature themal vacuum tests. The UV lamps functioned normally during these tests.

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