WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 17 NOVEMBER 2000:
PAYLOAD HIGHLIGHT
The payload test team has been preparing the probe for gyroscope flux flushing and gyroscope testing. The completed work includes attaching and
leak testing the GSE Gas/Vac lines, collecting a He spinup gas sample for analysis, pumping out the probe and well, and verifying the probe
instrumentation using the FDAS system. In addition to the near term testing of gyroscopes 1 and 2, the current configuration of the payload
should allow for a partial thermal verification (the steady state temperatures) of the probe rework.
Photo: The flight payload in horizontal position with the FDAS hooked up (on the far left side of the picture).
SPACE VEHICLE HIGHLIGHT
The GP-B team has made significant progress in preparation for the Payload Acoustic Test. LM B/159 has been selected as the Acoustic Test baseline
location, the Acoustic Test Stand has begun fabrication, and the LMTO transportation team has performed a route survey for the Payload shipment
from Stanford to LM B/159.
The ECU has successfully completed random vibe testing and is being prepared for insertion into the thermal vacuum chamber. The SRE units are ready to begin MQA testing as a four box (two forward and two aft) system. Following completion of these tests they will be officially closed and formal acceptance testing will begin.
Photo: LMMS Engineer Mitch Skinner in the LM B/159 Acoustic Chamber.