WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 16 MAY 2003:
THERMAL VACUUM TEST CONTINUES TO MAKE GOOD PROGRESS
The thermal vacuum team has successfully completed the first cold and hot thermal cycles. The team is currently running the second cold cycle. The
thermal vacuum tests to date include the successful completion of the cold and hot Functional Test A and B, the Heater Verification Test, and the
72 Hour Software Test - Phases 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. In one of these phases, the test continuously ran for an impressive 103 hours. The cold and hot thermal
balance tests have been completed. Temperature and helium flow rate measurements have been made, thus allowing an analysis of the
expected on-orbit dewar lifetime.
Photo: The GP-B spacecraft.