GPM Satellite Tested on Goddard's Centrifuge
NASA technicians spun the Global Precipitation Monitor (GPM) satellite up to just over 10 RPM in Goddard Space Flight Center's High-Capacity Centrifuge facility March 31. At that speed, the spin exerted a lateral pressure of G's, or times the force of gravity on the satellite. Spin tests such as these are used to determine whether the forces of launch could adversely affect hardware we put into space, and to test spacecraft chassis design. In this case, a combination of flight hardware parts and the so-called mass model were spun. The mass model simulates the final size, shape and weight distribution of the satellite and it's component sensors, fuel, maneuvering thrusters, processing and control equipment. GPM will study global rain, snow and ice to better understand our climate, weather, and hydro-meteorological processes. Goddard's 120-foot-diameter centrifuge can accelerate a payload up to 30 Gs, well beyond the force experienced in a launch. The most intense roller-coasters in the world top out at about 5 Gs, and then only for brief moments. The Gs experienced by GPM would be sufficient to prevent blood from flowing up into a person's brain, inducing blackout if sustained. Image taken April 1, 2011.
Size: 4500px × 3002px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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