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that
the spacecraft can survive in the mission environment. Tests
include Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic Compatibility
(EMI/EMC) measurement, mass properties, pyro-shock separation
system, vibration, acoustics, and thermal vacuum. The testing
requires that the spacecraft bus and the instrument module
be moved, and mated and demated several times during various
phases of testing.
The
SORCE Spacecraft with
the Solar Arrays deployed.
In
early June, the first of the testing began with the EMI/EMC
test. This involves making sure that all systems on the
spacecraft are electronically compatible, especially in
the context of ensuring that the instruments are collecting
valid data in all situations. Instrument scientists and
engineers are involved in this process to make sure the
data collected from each instrument is credible under the
circumstances and that the collective system is not susceptible
to EM radiation at a wide range of frequencies. These critical
tests were successful and the final results well within
acceptable limits.
Following the EMI/EMC test, the IM Microprocessor Flight
Software was upgraded and the APE (Attitude Power Electronics)
change-out occurred. This change replaced an engineering
development unit with the APE-B unit, which had successfully
passed thorough unit-level testing following rework on its
low-voltage power supply. In parallel to the APE-B change-out,
both CEU (Central Electronics Unit) boxes were removed for
minor rework to their downlink cards. Both of the APEs and
CEUs currently installed are the flight units. These APE
and CEU change |
outs
required that the instrument module be separated from the
bus.
Vibration tests are scheduled for late June and early July,
followed by the acoustic test, where the spacecraft will be
exposed to an extreme acoustical environment provided by a
producer of rock concerts - seems this environment is very
similar to the actual launch. In July the LASP and Orbital
team members will be doing the Solar Array Testing/Alignment
Verification. Lastly, the solar arrays will be removed and
the Thermal Vacuum Testing will begin. The spacecraft will
be shipped to Kennedy Space Center in October for final launch
preparation. LASP
Activity -
The last SORCE monthly review was held on May 21. As the
launch date nears, final integration and testing events
and schedules are becoming increasingly critical. The mission
is currently on schedule and within budget. Many issues
were discussed and action plans put into place to monitor
current procedures and resolve outstanding items. The next
monthly review is scheduled for June 27 at LASP.
Formal training of the Flight Operations Team has begun
with a wide range of experts from LASP and Orbital sharing
their knowledge. SORCE specific topics include mission and
spacecraft overviews, ADCS, C&DH, flight software, power,
thermal, RF&COM, fault detection and correction, as
well as instruments. Several new hires, both professionals
and students, have been added to the Flight Operations Team
to assist in the development and testing of the mission
operations system. In addition to the SORCE specific training,
the new team members will receive 12 weeks of classroom
training in the basics of spacecraft design and mission
operations.
The SORCE brochure is progressing. Teaming with NASA writers
and graphics personnel, LASP is contributing text and images
to create an impressive informative piece. There will be
a rough draft available at the July SORCE Science Working
Group Meeting. The complete SORCE public relations package
will also include a prelaunch video that will go out to
the news media before the launch and will be used as a resource
when needed following the launch. NASA television producers
are coordinating this project with LASP's input. Closer
to launch, there will also be video taped interviews with
SORCE scientists and NASA Program Directors. There are also
plans for an educational SORCE interactive CD-ROM.
Chris Pankratz is leading a team of people who are focusing
on the new SORCE Web page. It will start having a fresh
new look soon, offering more detailed information on the
mission, the SORCE instruments, and the science. Following
the launch, the scientific data collected will be a prominent
feature on the site. The web page will also meet the needs
of the non-technical curious person, and public educators
teaching at many levels. |
