[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
(meteorobs) FWD: STARDUST Update - March 6, 1998
From: Ron Baalke <BAALKE@kelvin.jpl.nasadot gov>
Date: Mon, 9 Mar 1998 19:14:49 GMT
Subject: [ASTRO] STARDUST Update - March 6, 1998
STARDUST Status Report
March 6, 1998
Ken Atkins
STARDUST Project Manager
The Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations (ATLO) activities continued to
make progress. The Telecom subsystem interface tests with the system were
completed; work proceeded on commanding with the ground support equipment,
and testing of compatibility with the Deep Space Network (DSN) was
initiated.
The assembly of the flight Sample Return Capsule (SRC) is nearing
completion. The avionics package was installed. And ballast was added to
increase the entry stability margin. This brings the capsule to 45 kg.
The SRC Structural Model was returned to Denver from the Utah Test and
Training Range. The recorded data showed an extremely soft (21 g) landing in
the drop test.
The Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) chassis seal review and assessment of
the torque of the connector screws was completed. This resulted in agreement
to proceed with installation of electronics for the dry o-ring leak test.
Thermal vacuum testing of the spacecraft test battery was completed
indicating acceptable temperature gradients. Random vibration with control
on the test battery was also completed and qualified the composite
bulkheads.
In other news, Ambient temperature solar array deployment tests were
completed on the qualification unit. Electromagnetic testing was completed
on the Power Control Assembly (PCA). Random vibration and 2 axes of shock
testing of the flight Command and Data Handling (C&DH) subsystem has been
completed. The Block Dictionary and Flight Rules and Constraints were also
published.
For more information on the STARDUST mission - the first ever comet sample
return mission - please visit the STARDUST home page:
http://stardust.jpl.nasadot gov/