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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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• <strong>GP</strong>-B also has an independent data analysis team that will beanalyzing the data in parallel with the <strong>GP</strong>-B science team tocorroborate our results. Any differences in the results of these twoteams will be reconciled before the results are announced.• The incoming raw data is fed directly into a database and is onlyavailable on a “read-only” basis to the scientists who will beanalyzing it.During the week, <strong>GP</strong>-B continued to tune-up the ATC system byimproving the quality of “roll phase data” of the spacecraft. This dataincreases the precision with which we can monitor the alignment ofthe gyroscopes. The “roll phase data” refers to the precise orientationof the spacecraft as it rolls around its axis (360 every 77.5 seconds).• Multiple cross checks are performed to identify any potentialsystematic experimental errors. For example, the results of all fourgyros are compared and correlated for consistency.• During the <strong>GP</strong>-B experiment, the spin axis deflections of thegyroscopes are measured relative to the guide star, IM Pegasi. But,in order to determine the actual relativistic drift rate of the gyros,we must also measure the proper motion of IM Pegasi relative toquasars (the most distant objects in the universe). The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) is measuring theproper motion of IM Pegasi with respect to quasars to anunprecedented level of precision. However, by design, the CfA willnot release this proper motion data to the <strong>GP</strong>-B science team untilafter the scientific data collection, post-science instrumentcalibrations, and the data analysis have all been completed. In otherwords, the relativistic drift rates of the gyros may only bedetermined once the <strong>GP</strong>-B gyro drift results and CfA propermotion results are combined.Regarding the second question of why it is necessary to wait so longbefore releasing any results, one reason is now apparent: the guide starproper motion safeguard requires that all the <strong>GP</strong>-B data analysis becompleted before we can receive and combine the CfA proper motiondata and release/publish the final result. A related technical reason isthat while we should have a very good measure of gyro drift after 2-3months of data collection, it is essential that this data be cross checkedand calibrated to ensure its accuracy. We use the annual aberration ofour guide star signal (the difference between the actual position of IMPegasi and its apparent position due to the Earth’s revolution aroundthe Sun) as one means of calibrating the telescope/gryo readout scalefactor. Collecting this aberration data over a substantial portion of ayear will ensure the greatest accuracy of this calibration.In summary, we are using utmost care and rigor in our experimentalmethods and analysis, and only after the analysis has been completedand thoroughly checked will we announce and publish the results. Atthat time, all of the <strong>GP</strong>-B data will become available to the publicthrough the National Space Sciences Data Center (NSSDC), located atNASA’s Goddard Space <strong>Flight</strong> Center in Greenbelt, MD.17 SEPTEMBER 2004—GRAVITY PROBE B MISSIONUPDATE: Day 150After 22 weeks in orbit, <strong>GP</strong>-B finally has all four gyroscopes generatingrelativity data. Gyro #4 joined Gyro’s #1, #2, and #3 in science modethis week after its spin axis was successfully aligned with the guide star,IM Pegasi, on Tuesday. The official transition occurred on Thursdaymorning (PDT), marking the first time that <strong>GP</strong>-B is conductingscience on all four gyros.The spacecraft continues to be in excellent health, rolling at a rate of0.7742 rpm (one revolution every 77.5 seconds). The Attitude andTranslation Control (ATC) system is maintaining a drag-free orbitaround gyro #3, and it is properly tracking the guide star, IM Pegasi.The dewar temperature is nominal (1.82 Kelvin), and the flow ofhelium, venting from the dewar through the micro thrusters hasremained within expected limits.When the spacecraft rolls, so do the pickup loops encircling eachgyroscope. These superconducting wire loops are used to monitor theorientation of the magnetic field around each gyroscope. They arelocated in the same plane as the spacecraft’s roll axis, so when thespacecraft rolls the loops turn with it. As a result, the loops perceive a“change” in each gyroscope’s orientation as the wire turns through thegyroscope’s magnetic field.If <strong>GP</strong>-B knows the exact orientation of the spacecraft (and, in turn, thepickup loops) at each moment in time, we can better determine theorientation of each gyroscope. The spacecraft’s orientation isdetermined primarily through the two star trackers located on theforward portion of the spacecraft on opposite sides. These star trackersimage the starry sky through an 8x8 field, providing the spacecraftwith a reference map to measure its orientation. If the stars in eachtracker’s field of view are in the right location, then the spacecraft ispointing in the right direction.In last week’s highlights, we noted that a double-bit error in computermemory was caused by “a proton hit”. An astute reader asked, “Howdo we know that the spacecraft was hit by proton?”Onboard the spacecraft is a proton detector, specially made for the<strong>GP</strong>-B mission. Its purpose is to monitor the high-energy particles thatimpact the spacecraft and the science instrument. This proton flux canlead to the accumulation of charge on the gyroscopes, which in turncould lead to unacceptable torques on the gyroscopes. So far, thecharge accumulated on the gyroscopes is much less than expected.One ancillary benefit of <strong>GP</strong>-B’s proton monitor has been its ability toaccurately locate the South Atlantic Anomaly, a region above theSouth Atlantic Ocean where the fluxes of particles trapped in theEarth’s geomagnetic field are much greater than anywhere else. <strong>GP</strong>-B’sorbit takes it through this region regularly, allowing it to produce amore precise map of this magnetic anomaly.24 SEPTEMBER 2004—GRAVITY PROBE B MISSIONUPDATE: Day 157<strong>GP</strong>-B had an eventful week. We began the 4th week of science with allfour gyroscopes in the science mode. Then on Thursday we had ananomaly with gyro #3.At 8:30 PM local time on Thursday, the drag-free gyro #3 transitionedto analog mode resulting in safemode that stopped the timeline. The<strong>GP</strong>-B vehicle and science gyros were safe. Gyro's #1, #2 and #4486 March 2007 Appendix C — Weekly Chronicle of the <strong>GP</strong>-B Mission

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