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ATIC-3 Mission Images |
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ATIC Hang
Test - December 5, 2005 |
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With the Silicon Matrix issue "repaired", the hodoscope
and calorimeter detectors fully operations and the pressure vessel with
an almost perfect seal we proceeded with compatibility testing. Also
know as the "hang test" as we attach to the launch vehicle and test all
systems and interfaces as if we are preparing for launch. |
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Silicon
Matrix issues and Pathfinder launch - December 4, 2005 |
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A couple of days after sealing the pressure vessel a
problem came up in the Silicon Matrix reducing this detectors
effectiveness by 25%. We therefore had to open the pressure vessel up
(always a chancy operation before flight) and attempt some in-situ
repairs. We also witnessed the launch of the first Pathfinder balloon
that would indicate whether the high altitude winds have set up. |
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Getting ready for flight - December 2, 2005 |
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The ATIC instrument is prepared for flight including
installing the pressure vessel, checking for leaks, rolling out the
instrument to check the satellite communication links. We also had some
interesting times with a few minor storms. |
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First week
of work - November 25, 2005 |
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This first week of work for ATIC in the LDB facility
has been very productive. We have performance tested all the detectors,
moved the instrument to the ring and external frame and integrated the
SIP. Here are images that highlight these activities. |
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First day
of work - November 16, 2005 |
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We were finally allowed to occupy the LDB payload bay
and our first day of work was very productive. In particular, by
mid-afternoon ATIC was powered up and collection muon calibration data. |
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Views from the C-17 Cockpit - November 10, 2005 |
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A new friend of ours had the opportunity to sit up in
the cockpit of the C-17 that flew us from Christchurch to McMurdo. Here
is a small selection of the almost 500 images she took as we were coming
in to the ice runway just outside of McMurdo. |
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Traveling to McMurdo - November 3, 2005 |
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The ATIC setup crew left Baton Rouge on October 26,
2005 and arrived in Christchurch on October 28, 2005. We had one extra
day in our schedule, so we visited the New Zealand alps and Mt. Cook in
particular. October 30 was spent getting checked out with our Extreme
Cold Weather (ECW) gear and we flew to McMurdo on the following day,
October 31. This flight to McMurdo was particularly comfortable as we
had real seating and lots of legroom in the C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
After a series of briefings in McMurdo we had a chance to drive out the
Willy and view the new LDB facilities which are quite spectacular. |
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All
Flight Systems run on QNX Realtime OS.