GPM Core Observatory Entering Thermal Vacuum Chamber
Image Caption
The GPM Core Observatory being lifted into the thermal vacuum chamber for testing.
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Core Observatory Entering Thermal Vacuum Chamber
Image Caption
Crane lifting the GPM Core Observatory into position for TVAC 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 Mission Operation Review
The Mission Operation Review for GPM was held on August 15th and 16th. The agenda included operation reviews of the ground systems, launch and early orbit, instruments, spacecraft decommissioning, and overall mission activities
Solar Array Vibration and Acoustic Testing
GPM's two solar array wings completed vibration and acoustic testing at Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. The solar arrays were integrated to an identical copy of the Lower Bus Structure of the satellite for this testing. These tests and deployments demonstrate the ability of the solar array to withstand the vibrations and sounds the satellite will be subject to during launch as well as test the ability of the solar arrays to unfold once in orbit. Diagram of the GPM Core Observatory depicting various components of the Solar Array Assembly.
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.
5th International GPM Ground Validation Workshop
The 5th International Workshop for GPM Ground Validation (GV) hosted by Environment Canada was held on July 10-12, 2012, in Toronto, Canada. The primary objectives of the workshop were to improve understanding of high-latitude GV priorities and practices, identify and prioritize remaining issues with algorithm development, increase coordination amongst international partners, and improved understanding of how such information can be incorporated into GPM retrieval algorithms. Over 80 participants from 15 nations attended the workshop to report on cooperative ground validation activities