Integral STM testing at ESTEC

The Structural/Thermal Test Model (STM) of ESA's Integral gamma-ray observatory was tested in the Large Space Simulator (LSS) at ESTEC in June 1998. Here, it is shown shortly before it was lowered into the chamber. Following the thermal-vacuum testing in the LSS, the STM underwent mass property measurements in the Multi-shaker area, and was then moved into the Large European Acoustic Facility (LEAF). Integral is planned for launch in 2001 to perform fine imaging and spectroscopy of 15 keV to 10 MeV celestial gamma-ray sources. [Image Date: 1998/06] [98.06.002-056]