WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 24 NOVEMBER 2000:
PAYLOAD HIGHLIGHT
Low speed spin tests of Gyros 1 and 2 have been successfully completed. Gyro spin down rates are nominal and preliminary trapped flux measurements results
show approximately 2 microgauss for gyro 2 and approximately 7 microgauss for gyro 1. Congratulations to the gyro and cryo groups for a
wonderful send-off to the Thanksgiving Holiday. The Gyro team performed for 15 hours to complete these measurements.
Photo: A GP-B flight gyroscope in its housing being prepared for insertion into the probe.
SPACE VEHICLE HIGHLIGHT
The first three (3) flight Solar Array Release Mechanisms (SARM) have completed acceptance thermal vacuum testing in LM B/255. The three SARMs
only require final functional testing before being sent to flight stores.
The ECU thermal vacuum testing has been delayed due problems with the chamber pumps and feed-throughs uncovered in the pre-test checkout. The chamber had been used three weeks before our arrival and had no problems. We are working this issue on a priority basis to get the chamber operational and box into testing before Thanksgiving.
The SRE units are in MQA testing as a four box (two forward and two aft) system. Tests are proceeding normally. Following completion of these tests boxes will be officially closed, open TRR action items will be completed and formal acceptance testing will begin.
Photo: LMMS engineer Shawn McCully and technician Jeff Williams in the SARM testing area in LM B/255.