SIRTF Processing Activities

6 Mar 2003
The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) spacecraft arrived at Kennedy Space Center from the Lockheed Martin plant at Sunnyvale, Calif.

19 Mar 2003
Inspections of SIRTF’s primary mirror took place.

22 Mar 2003
The SIRTF reaction control system (RCS) was pressurized for flight with gaseous nitrogen, which will be used to control the spacecraft on orbit.

31 Mar 2003
Following the successful completion of functional testing, SIRTF was mated to the Delta payload attach fitting.

5 Apr 2003
SIRTF was transported from Hangar AE to launch pad 17-B and mated to the Boeing Delta II Heavy rocket.

18 Apr 2003
Launch is rescheduled until August to allow engineers enough time to change out one of the nine solid rocket motors attached to the Delta II Heavy rocket.

11 July 2003
Observatory power-on testing has resumed and will be completed this week.

22 July 2003
Cryogenic servicing of the observatory with liquid helium was performed.

23 July 2003
Installation of the flight battery is under way today.

24-25 July 2003
Closeouts of the spacecraft's electrical system is scheduled to occur this week. Flight batter installation was completed on 24 July.

3 Aug 2003
Final observatory closeouts were completed.

5 Aug 2003
Mating to the payload attach fitting is scheduled to begin.

8 Aug 2003
Transportation to Pad 17-B is scheduled for 10 August.

10 Aug 2003
SIRTF was rolled out of Hangar AE early on Sunday morning, and hoisted atop the Boeing Delta II launch vehicle. Mechanical and electrical connections were established, and a spacecraft state of health check was performed.

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