This week we electrically and mechanically integrated the WIRE Instrument Electronics (WIE) and pyro box engineering test units. The flight units will be integrated later. Currently the SPE, shunt box, SCS, transponder, WIE, and pyro box are fully integrated.
Here is the spacecraft as it now looks. In the left photo, the
battery air conditioning duct dominates the view. The instrument
focal plane simulator is on the cart next to the spacecraft. In the
right photo, the pyro box is the bare aluminum box on the lower left
part of the spacecraft. The spacecraft equipment panels are made of
graphite composite bonded in a rib pattern for strength. The panels
are painted white as part of the temperature control for the electronics.
Next week we will integrate the rest of the attitude control system components except for the star tracker and earth sensor.
Previous updates:
August 18, 1997
October 20, 1997
October 31, 1997
November 7, 1997