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Gravity Probe B

Testing Einstein's Universe

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 26 SEPTEMBER 2003:

GRAVITY PROBE B LAUNCH STATUS

  • The GP-B satellite is now scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Saturday, December 6, 2003 at approximately 5:52 PM PST.

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE OPERATIONS
The following activities were completed at VAFB this past week:

  • The dewar, which is now 95% full of superfluid helium, has been sealed. It is being maintained at a temperature of 1.65 Kelvin, with a better than expected rate of heat rise.
  • Boeing has erected the first stage, interstage and second stage on the launch pad.
  • All other space vehicle preparation activities at Vandenberg are proceeding on schedule, as planned.

Photo: The Boeing Delta II booster rocket, standing on the launch pad. Click on the photo to view an enlargement. Notice the GP-B emblem at the top of the booster. Also, if you look closely, you can see the second stage at the base of the Mobile Service Tower (MST).

MISSION SIMULATION #7 SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED

This week, the Gravity Probe B team successfully completed a four-day mission simulation. The simulation covered the following mission activities:

  • Mission Day L: Launch activities, including pre-launch countdown, launch, solar ray deployment, and orbit attainment
  • Mission Day L+1: Attitude control and acquisition of the guide start, IM Pegasi
  • Mission Day L+35: Spin-up and pre-shaping of the fourth gyroscope to full speed (greater than 5,000 rpm)
  • Mission Day L+42: Spin axis alignment of the gyroscope and transition to Science Data Collection mode

The simulation went extremely well and demonstrated that the GP-B Operations Team will be ready for the actual launch in December.

Photo: A collage of photos taken during Mission Simulation #7, with a model of the GP-B Space Vehicle superimposed in the center. Click on the thumbnail of the collage to view an enlarged version.

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