MSG Launch Diary - week 5
15 June 2002
Work had been planned to exchange some cells on the MSG-1's solar array. However, another thorough inspection shows that this is not needed. Everybody's weekend is saved.
12-14 June 2002
Reconditioning of the battery is completed (two charges and two discharges), and the required values are fully within specifications.
In parallel, some validations are conducted after disconnection of the test harness, and on the Unified Propulsion System (UPS) launch electrical configuration. (During launch, not all on-board equipment is switched on to conserve battery life.)
The UPS is the spacecraft's propulsion system. Its components include:
- two Liquid Apogee Motors (LAM)
- six Reaction Control Thrusters (RCT)
- four propellant tanks
- two latch valves
- three pressure transducers
- four gauging sensors
The test harness is a cable to connect the satellite to different computers for various tests and verifications.
11 June 2002
Finally, the problem with the GERB is figured out, and the decision is made to use it as is.
With that, the normal test sequence is resumed. The SEVIRI flight configuration is activated, and no problems are detected.
In parallel, the preparation for the battery reconditioning and the solar array panels start.
10 June 2002
We are still investigating the GERB problem, but the situation is slowly becoming clearer.
