MER-A Processing Activities

27 Jan 2003
The rover's cruise stage, aeroshell and lander arrived at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

24 Feb 2003
MER-2 arrived at KSC.

6 Mar and 9 Mar 2003
In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) at KSC, a functional test of the rover's systems was conducted on March 6 and 9. The test included deployment of the lander petals, the rover's solar arrays, camera mast and camera. The camera also took test images.

20-23 March 2003
The rover underwent its second functional test and mission simulation.

28 Mar 2003
The rover was installed on its base petal. The lander's solar arrays were safely stowed away for flight.

12 Apr 2003
A potential problem with the rovers' computers was discovered, leading managers to delay the first MER launch by at least one week. The remedy required some disassembly of both rovers.

24 Apr 2003
The MER-2 lander integration was completed. The integration of the entire MER-2 entry vehicle - including the back shell, heat shield, lander and rover assembly - continued through the end of April.

7 May 2003
Mating of the MER-2 entry vehicle to the cruise stage was completed. The spacecraft has also completed its weight and center of gravity determination, and underwent its first spin balance test.

11 May 2003
The spacecraft was fueled in anticipation of its second spin balance test, which occurred on May 15.

20 May 2003
The third stage of the Delta II launch vehicle arrived at the PHSF, where it was mated to the spacecraft on May 23.

21 May 2003
MER-2 concluded three days of spin balance testing.

24 May 2003
Installation of the spacecraft into the transportation canister began in preparation for its move to the launch pad.

27 May 2003
MER-2 was transported to the launch pad.

What processing procedures do most spacecraft go through? Find out in Spacecraft Processing 101.