GPM Core Observatory Entering Thermal Vacuum Chamber
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Engineers guiding the GPM Core Observatory into the TVAC chamber.
Goddard Space Flight Center
GPM Core Observatory Entering Thermal Vacuum Chamber
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The GPM Core Observatory being lifted into the thermal vacuum chamber for testing.
Core Observatory Entering Thermal Vacuum Chamber
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Crane lifting the GPM Core Observatory into position for TVAC testing.
Core Observatory Entering Thermal Vacuum Chamber
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The GPM Core Observatory being lifted into the thermal vacuum chamber for testing.
GPM Completes First Dry Run
By Ellen Gray , NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Original www.nasa.gov Press Release (published 10/17/12) NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory satellite went through its first complete comprehensive performance test (CPT), beginning on Oct. 4, 2012 at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The testing ran twenty-four hours, seven days a week and lasted ten days as the entire spacecraft was put through its paces. "This is the first time we've gotten to see the observatory all put together, running the way it's supposed to be running in flight," said CPT
GPM Completes First Dry Run
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Engineers check on the GPM spacecraft after successful completion of its first comprehensive performance test.
The silver disc and drum (center) is the GPM Microwave Imager, and the large block on the base is the Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar. The tall golden antenna is the High Gain Antenna for communications.
GPM Project Group Photo
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The GPM Flight Project team (along with some science and outreach personnel) outside the GPM integration and test facility at Goddard Space Flight Center.
GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) Testing
The GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) successfully completed a walkout deployment, spin-up and functional and interface testing after being integrated onto the core spacecraft in May, 2012. These series of tests confirmed electrical and functional performance of the GMI with the GPM Core Observatory. The GMI undergoing mechanical integration in March 2012.
High Gain Antenna System Testing
The High Gain Antenna System onboard the GPM Core Observatory was successfully deployed and functionally tested after being integrated onto the spacecraft late last year. The HGAS is responsible for relaying data collected by the satellite’s instruments to Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRS) satellites. Data is sent back to Goddard Space Flight Center via a NASA wide-area network. The GPM High Gain Antenna System (HGAS) in integration and testing at Goddard Space Flight Center.