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GPM Core Observatory Encapsulation Process

GPM Core Observatory Encapsulation Process
Image Caption
The GPM Core Observatory being encapsulated into the HII-A rocket fairing.

On Feb. 11, the Core Observatory was moved into the spacecraft fairing assembly building and into the Encapsulation Hall. Final inspections and preparations were completed for the installation into the fairing, which began on Feb 13. The fairing is the part of the rocket that will contain the spacecraft at the top of the H-IIA rocket.

GPM Core Observatory Encapsulation Process

GPM Core Observatory Encapsulation Process
Image Caption
The GPM Core Observatory being encapsulated into the HII-A rocket fairing.

On Feb. 11, the Core Observatory was moved into the spacecraft fairing assembly building and into the Encapsulation Hall. Final inspections and preparations were completed for the installation into the fairing, which began on Feb 13. The fairing is the part of the rocket that will contain the spacecraft at the top of the H-IIA rocket.

Fairing Attached to HII-A Rocket

The Global Precipitation Measurement Core (GPM) Observatory is scheduled to launch on Feb. 27 (EST) from Tanegashima Space Center, Japan. The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries team finished installing the GPM mission’s Core Observatory into the fairing. The main installation occurred on Feb. 13, and all final activities and checks concluded on Feb. 16. The fairing is the top part of the rocket that will protect the spacecraft during launch. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries moved the fairing containing the GPM Core Observatory to the vehicle assembly building on Feb. 18 at Tanegashima Space Center. Inside

GPM Core Installed into Rocket Fairing

On Feb. 11, the Core Observatory was moved into the spacecraft fairing assembly building and into the Encapsulation Hall. Final inspections and preparations were completed for the installation into the fairing, which began on Feb 13. The fairing is the part of the rocket that will contain the spacecraft at the top of the H-IIA rocket. The encapsulation process for the H-IIA is very different than for most U.S. rockets. For U.S. rockets, the fairing is usually in two pieces that close around the payload like a clamshell. To install the GPM Core Observatory into the fairing of the H-IIA rocket

GPM Launch Party at NASA Goddard

GPM Launch Party at NASA Goddard
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., is opening its Visitor Center to the public for a family-friendly activity-filled Global Precipitation Measurement launch party from noon to 3 p.m. EST Feb. 27, 2014. We will watch a live NASA Television broadcast of the launch of the GPM Core Observatory from Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. We will have expert presentations and family-friendly, hands-on demonstrations. The launch of the GPM Core Observatory is scheduled for no earlier than 1:07 p.m. EST. GPM is a joint mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and...
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GPM Spacecraft Completes Fueling

The Global Precipitation Measurement mission propulsion team completed fueling the Core Observatory spacecraft on Feb. 6 in the spacecraft and fairing assembly building at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Tanegashima Space Center, Japan. Afterward the propulsion team did leak checks. GPM's fuel is hydrazine, which will power GPM's 12 thrusters that are used to maneuver the spacecraft so that it first enters then maintains its final orbit 253 miles (407 km) above Earth's surface. GPM will carry enough fuel for a minimum of five years of mission life.

See NASA Unfiltered: Photo #NASASocial

GPM NASA Social Banner
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Are you instantly on Instagram? A Flickr fanatic? If you know the difference between shutter speed and an f-stop, this NASA Social is for you. NASA is hosting an event for its photo-fanatic social media followers on the morning of Feb. 27, 2014, at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. This NASA Social will bring 15 social media photo-gurus together at NASA Goddard to snap and share photos of where NASA's next great Earth science satellite was developed, built and tested. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission Core Observatory is the largest satellite ever built and tested...
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