Flight Project

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GPM Core Observatory Encapsulation Process

GPM Core Observatory Encapsulation Process
Image Caption
The GPM Core Observatory being encapsulated into the HII-A rocket fairing.

On Feb. 11, the Core Observatory was moved into the spacecraft fairing assembly building and into the Encapsulation Hall. Final inspections and preparations were completed for the installation into the fairing, which began on Feb 13. The fairing is the part of the rocket that will contain the spacecraft at the top of the H-IIA rocket.

GPM Core Observatory Encapsulation Process

GPM Core Observatory Encapsulation Process
Image Caption
The GPM Core Observatory being encapsulated into the HII-A rocket fairing.

On Feb. 11, the Core Observatory was moved into the spacecraft fairing assembly building and into the Encapsulation Hall. Final inspections and preparations were completed for the installation into the fairing, which began on Feb 13. The fairing is the part of the rocket that will contain the spacecraft at the top of the H-IIA rocket.

GPM Loaded onto Truck in Japan

GPM Loaded onto Truck in Japan
Image Caption
GPM on its last truck during shipment to the launch site.

On the back of the shipping container sits the Environmental Control Unit (left), as well as its generator (green on the right). The ECU has heaters and air conditioners to regulate temperature and humidity as well as filters on the air vents to keep out any contaminants.