Skip navigation

Gravity Probe B

Testing Einstein's Universe

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 20 SEPTEMBER 2002:

SUCCESSFUL GMA SLOW SPEED GYROSCOPE SPINUP
The GMA was successfully used to spin up a low temperature, flight-like gyroscope to 0.7 Hz. The gyroscope acceptance facility (GSE) was used to support this operation. The gyroscope is currently spinning freely following the spin up phase of this test. The test will be considered complete after allowing the gyroscope to spin freely for a number of additional hours. The next planned GMA test is a high speed spin up of this same gyroscope using the same test configuration.

Photo: Several available - Click here for the full GMA story

SPACE VEHICLE READY FOR ACOUSTIC TEST
The space vehicle is fully configured for acoustic test. The Space Vehice team successfully installed the fourth and final Solar Array Panel on the GP-B Space Vehicle; the 4 solar arrays have been installed. Each of the arrays has performed first motion. The acoustic test has been delayed and is currently on-hold pending the completion of non-GP-B use of the acoustic test chamber.

Photo: The GP-B Team with the Space Vehicle after the installation of the Position 1 Solar Array. Pictured are (1st Row) Carlton Foster, Mike Sisley, Karrie Fulmer, Art Phillips, Jack Grass, Tom Welsh, Ted Edge. (2nd Row) Terry Osborn, Jerry Hahn, Gunn Mosqueda, Sean McCully, Dale Stephens, Bud Swihart.

<<Previous Highlight      Next Highlight>>

Index of Highlights