_                    
                                                         |_|                   
      V   V   SSSS   OOO   PPPP                 \__      |_|      __/          
      V   V  S      O   O  P   P                   --____/ \____--             
      V   V   SSS   O   O  PPPP                    _ _ _ --- _ _ _             
       V V       S  O   O  P                      |_|_|_|  @|_|_|_|            
        V    SSSS    OOO   P                             o-o                   
                                                          /                    
      ***  N    E    W    S  ***                        <)                     
 

MUSES-B MASS

The mass constraints on all satellite missions are severe. The design mass of the MUSES-B satellite was 800 kg, so there was some concern when the results of a careful weighing of all satellite components a year ago summed to 815 kg. Fortunately, tests of the new M-V rocket have revealed it is performing better than expected, and so should have no difficulty launching the satellite into the desired orbit. The main contributions to the mass are the main antenna, which accounts for 30%, and the power system (solar paddles, battery etc) and satellite body account for about 15% each. In recent weeks it has become clear that various improvements to satellite components are going to push the mass a little higher. The main antenna will weigh in several kilograms over budget, and additions to improve the resistance of modules to vibration (encountered during launch) also seem likely to add a kilogram or two. The final weigh-in will take place before the final integration tests.

M-V ROCKET TESTS

Meanwhile, testing of the M-V rocket is continuing. The third stage is scheduled for testing next month, to be followed by another first stage test firing in June, and a kick-motor test in October. Construction of the actual M-V rocket that will launch MUSES-B has commenced. Completion of the roughly 10 m tall, 2 m diameter, first stage fuel tank takes over a year. The tank is being built in Kobe -- fortunately January's earthquake is not expected to produce any delay in the construction schedule.

NEAR REAL TIME FRINGE DETECTOR

The last issue's description of the NRTFD was slightly in error... The prototype model is designed to have 512 (not 256) lags with a delay rate window of 10 Hz. The final NRTFD, which is based on a custom designed chip, will have a maximum of 2048 (not 1024) lags, or a maximum delay rate 40 Hz: the maximum of one can only be chosen by reducing the range of the other.

ANOTHER YEAR ENDS!

The traditional Japanese name for December is "shiwasu", a translation of which is "even teachers run" (to get things finished before the year's end). That being the case, March should really be "administrators running" month! The fiscal year finishes on the 31st of March, and these final weeks are spent by administrative sections furiously finalizing finances. There are however, no 'bou-nen-kai' (see VSOP news no. 10) to see out the fiscal year!

 
 
       Editors: Phil Edwards and Hirax Hirabayashi