MER-B Processing Activities

24 Feb 2003
The MER-1 rover's cruise stage, aeroshell and lander arrived at Kennedy Space Center from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. along with the MER-2 rover.

11 Mar 2003
The MER-1 rover arrived at Kennedy Space Center and began prelaunch processing in KSC's Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF).

21 Mar 2003
The rover took a spin on a pad that tested its ability to navigate obstacles simulating the rocky Martian terrain. The camera also underwent functional testing.

31 Mar 2003
A functional test and mission simulation was performed. The test included deployment of the solar arrays, camera mast and camera, as well as a functional test of the camera. These tests were repeated on April 4.

2 Apr 2003
The rover's science boom was deployed, tested and retracted.

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
MER-1 rover and lander base petal final assembly was completed.

9 May 2003
Rover installation onto the base petal and lander air bag installation were completed.

15 May 2003
The lander's backshell was installed.

20 May 2003
The MER-1 lander was mated to the cruise stage.

27 May 2003
Fueling of MER-1 began, and was completed one day later.

29 May 2003
Spin balance testing took place, followed by mating to the Delta third stage on 12 June.

17 June 2003
MER-1 rolled out of the PHSF and arrived at Launch Pad 17-B approximately 2.5 hours later.

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