FUSE Satellite Status Report

Report #1
Star Date: Sept. 1, 1998

The FUSE satellite was moved on August 13, 1998, from the JHU Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The assembly phase of the project is complete, and the satellite is completely integrated, including the solar panels (see photo at left).

Since it's arrival at Goddard, the satellite has been undergoing preparations for upcoming vibration, acoustical, and thermal vacuum tests. These tests are designed to verify that the satellite will withstand the launch and on-orbit environments and operate normally.

This week FUSE is undergoing vibration and functional tests. These will be followed by acoustical tests.

Plans for next week include various mechanical and electrical tests of the solar arrays. After these are completed, the arrays will be removed in preparation for satellite thermal vacuum tests. The arrays will be not be reinstalled on the spacecraft until it is at Cape Canaveral a few weeks prior to launch.

Reported by: Bill Blair and Scott Friedman

Photo: FUSE at NASA/GSFC.
(Click on photo to see enlarged version.)