This Echo is READ ONLY !   NO Un-Authorized Messages Please!
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MUSES-C Monthly Report No. 4
MUSES-C Overall Test Completed
ISAS
April 25, 2003

The overall test of MUSES-C was completed in early March 2003. The
explorer was dispatched from Sagamihara on March 12 and arrived
safely at the launch site in Kagoshima on March 15. Inertia values
such as weight and moment of inertia were measured at the final stage
of the test and we were able to confirm that the actual weight
matched the initial estimate by accumulative calculation.

As final test day neared, the number of visitors gradually increased,
most likely because of the wide press coverage. Most visitors first
impression was a disappointed "Oh...!" I guess they all imagined a
far bigger satellite, because of the difficulties it had been
through. The impressions changed over time. For example, "I'm
surprised it is equipped with many things on the outside..." When
they saw the golden MLI (Multi-Layer-Insulation) peculiar to the
satellite, many visitors noticed and asked, "Why are there different
portions of metallic luster, or blackish areas?" A good question.
This is the unprecedented thermal control technology that is not so
obvious but will be tested in the mission. We expect that visitors
will be very interested in it. 

From end March to early April, the 60kg-xenon gas filling was
performed in Kagoshima. Since the new ion engine can be exposed to
air, the filling operation is very smooth. The final preparation for
the launcher system is planned from end April.

 - END OF FILE -
==========

@Message posted automagically by IMTHINGS POST 1.30
---