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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 ...

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Last summer (2006), Mac Keiser devised a model-based, geometric method for separating the disturbance(misalignment) torques from the relativity signals. Over the past year, the team has been pursuing a combinationof this geometric method and a model-based, algebraic estimation method formulated by mathematicianMichael Heifetz. Recently, physicist Alex Silbergleit, following a line of inquiry first suggested by physicist JeffKolodziejczak (a collaborator from NASA's Marshall Space <strong>Flight</strong> Center), has found a way to combine theadvantages of both the geometric and algebraic methods into a unified, integral data analysis approach. Thisintegral approach eliminates the drawbacks of both previous methods, allows for iterative improvement of theresults, and relies less on modeling than either of the previous methods. Thus, we will be continuing to employthis integral approach through the end of the analysis.Specifically, our science team is focusing on two main issues:1. Fine calibration of the gyroscope/telescope scale factorBoth the SQUID-based magnetic measurement of the gyro spin axes and the telescope measurement ofthe spacecraft pointing direction with respect to the guide star produce electrical signals that representangular measurements. Because these two systems are independent of each other, it is necessary to crosscalibratethese instruments to ensure that both systems are measuring the same relative angle when theorientation of the spacecraft changes.Because of trapped magnetic flux on the gyro rotors, the calibration—conversion from electrical signalsto angles—of the gyro readout can vary in a complex, but computable way. Specifically, it is affected bythe polhode period of the gyros, which was found to change during the flight mission, rather thanremaining constant as originally expected.Figure 15-13. Map of the estimated magnetic flux trapped on the surface of the gyro rotors. Two methods arecurrently being employed—one mapping individual fluxons and the other mapping magnetic field strength.To address these issues and determine the correct scale factor, the team is in the process of preciselymodeling the time-varying polhode periods of each gyro for each orbit as well as creating precisemappings of the trapped magnetic flux on the surface of each gyro rotor.2. Refining the analysis of the misalignment torquesThe team is in the process of refining the data analysis techniques being used to separate and removethese classical misalignment torques from the relativity effects. To do this, it is necessary to take intoaccount many variables, including vehicle motion and polhode paths of the gyros.438 March 2007 Chapter 15 — Preliminary Results

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