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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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2.3 Spacecraft SeparationThe Solar arrays deployed right on schedule, 66 minutes after launch, and the Boeing Delta II Launch Vehiclesecond stage released the Space Vehicle at the desired attitude, within 100 meters of a perfect orbit. Two onboardvideo cameras treated everyone watching the launch to a spectacular view of the spacecraft separatingfrom the second stage rocket. The orbital insertion was indeed so precise that no orbit trim was required duringthe Initialization and Orbit Checkout (IOC) phase of the mission.Figure 2-17. On-board video camera shows separation2.4 Initialization & Orbit Checkout (IOC)This section provides an overview of the IOC mission phase, a summary, week-by-week list of IOCaccomplishments, and a discussion of the main tasks accomplished during IOC. A complete chronicle of theIOC mission phase, based on the weekly reports sent out via email and posted on the <strong>GP</strong>-B Web site by the <strong>GP</strong>-B Public Affairs Coordinator, is included in Appendix C, Weekly Chronicle of the <strong>GP</strong>-B Mission.2.4.1 Overview of IOCDuring the IOC phase of the mission, the spacecraft underwent a complete initialization and shakedown ofsystems and subsystems.2.4.1.1 IOC Task SummaryFollowing is a list of the main tasks accomplished during IOC:1. All subsystems that were not running during the launch were powered on and verified.2. The spacecraft’s ATC system was used for three main purposes:• To properly orient the spacecraft, enabling the science telescope to lock onto the guide star, IMPegasi.• To establish and maintain the desired spacecraft roll rate.• To fly the spacecraft in a drag-free orbit around one of the science gyros.3. The science gyros were digitally suspended, and the SQUID magnetometer gyro readouts were tested.4. The spacecraft was balanced about its center of mass using the Mass Trim Mechanisms (MTMs) on theoutside frame or shell of the spacecraft.5. The spacecraft’s roll rate was increased for a short time to uniformly wrap the bubble of superfluid liquidhelium around the inside of the dewar wall.44 March 2007 Chapter 2 — Overview of the <strong>GP</strong>-B Experiment & Mission

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