Dec 11, 2013
The Engineering Qualification Model of the Inertial Sensor Head (ISH) for LISA Pathfinder has passed a significant milestone. The integration of all the components of the ISH with perfect alignment, and the successful completion of qualification tests mark the first time that a heavy test mass inertial sensor has been assembled and successfully tested.
The ISH structure has several units, which were successfully brought together for this test. The Engineering Qualification Model (EQM) of the ISH comprises:
- a gold:platinum test mass,
- a representative electrode housing,
- two Grabbing, Positioning and Release Mechanisms,
- a launch lock, incorporating a venting gate valve, called the Caging and Venting Mechanism,
- a titanium vacuum enclosure,
- UV fibre feedthroughs,
- electrical harness feedthroughs.
The integration of all the components of the ISH with perfect alignment, and the successful completion of the tests mark a major milestone for LISA Pathfinder. It is the first time that a heavy test mass inertial sensor has been assembled and tested successfully anywhere in the world. All flight model elements of the ISH have been delivered and work continues on the LISA Technology Package, due for completion in November 2014, after which it will be delivered and integrated into the spacecraft.
Read the full story on the ESA website: http://sci.esa.int/lisa-pathfinder/53349-inertial-sensor-head-shaken-but...