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Gravity Probe B

Testing Einstein's Universe

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR WEEK ENDING 20 DECEMBER 2002:

COMPLETED SPACE VEHICLE THERMAL VACUUM TEST
The GP-B space vehicle has completed thermal vacuum test. The test plan included two hot and two cold soak periods with functional tests before, during, and after the thermal exposure. Most of the thermal vacuum test objectives were met. A GSE issue limited the cold cycle testing (accounting for the balance of the test objectives). A thermal vacuum test data review was held with participation from Stanford, Lockheed Martin, the IRT, and MSFC. The team continues to analyze the data and is performing an analysis of open thermal vacuum test objectives. The thermal vacuum electronics anomalies (the ACE and PDU) are in-work. The next set of space vehicle operations include payload test at the space vehicle level, limited functional tests, and formal qualification testing of the flight software.

Photo: The GP-B spacecraft and a test engineer from Lockheed Martin.

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