WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 9 MAY 2003:
SPACE VEHICLE THERMAL VACUUM TEST CONTINUES TO MAKE GOOD PROGRESS
The thermal vacuum team completed the following tests as part of the first cold thermal cycle Functional Test A and B, Heater Verification Test, and the
72 Hour Software Test - Phases 1 and 2. Data reduction of the functional test is in-work. The preliminary assessment is that the test was successful. The
heater test and the 72 hour test (phases 1 and 2 thus far) were also successful. The PDU Over-Current Protection Test was successful and the PDU is now
fully connected to the vehicle. The Cold Thermal Balance test has begun in parallel with the 72 Hour Software Test - Phase 3. Temperature and helium flow rate
measurements are in-work. These measurements will allow an estimate of the on-orbit dewar lifetime.
CORRECTION TO LAST WEEK'S HIGHLIGHT
R. Whelan (and not B. Schultz as reported last week) gave an excellent Systems Engineering presentation at the
Space Vehicle Acceptance review.
Photo: The GP-B spacecraft.