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GP-B Post-Flight Analysis—Final Report - Gravity Probe B - Stanford ...

GP-B Post-Flight Analysis—Final Report - Gravity Probe B - Stanford ...

GP-B Post-Flight Analysis—Final Report - Gravity Probe B - Stanford ...

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2-3.5 days represents the final Science Mission configuration of drag-free on science gyro #3, in a 3-axis controlmode (Z-axis is under drag-free control). Note occasional peaks exist where the ATC mass flow exceeds thebudget of 6.9 mg/s, and even the dewar set point of 7.0 mg/s. However, these durations of negative excess massflow are brief in duration, and on average do not contribute to an overall cooling of the dewar. Additionally,adjustments to a Z-axis force bias between the ATC and the GSS, have allowed for further reductions in netmass flow usage by the ATC. After 2004/251 the bias had been adjusted such that the ATC no longer dips intonegative excess mass flow usage, and the overall ATC mass flow usage was calibrated to be sufficient for theScience Mission.Figure 7-14. ATC Mass Flow Usage in drag-free ModeFigure 7-15 shows the effect of both a heat pulse meter test as well as augmenting the thrusters with themagnetic torque rods for torque control. Throughout the mission, the heat pulse meter tests were used tomeasure the amount of helium left in the dewar. The torque rods were used during the science mission to givethe vehicle more excess mass flow margin.<strong>Gravity</strong> <strong>Probe</strong> B — <strong>Post</strong> <strong>Flight</strong> Analysis • Final <strong>Report</strong> March 2007 187

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