SDO | Solar Dynamics Observatory - Video Downloads
STEPPING STONES TO SDO
NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is currently in the 'integration and test' phase of mission development, (i.e. observatory is now complete with the spacecraft bus, propulsion module and instruments), the ground system is being completed and flight software is being tested. Critical systems testing has already begun and environmental testing of he observatory will be conducted in the near future as they continue towards a launch readiness date of December 1, 2008. This series of short videos shows the SDO spacecraft being assembled and tested with narration by the engineers doing the work. It will be updated until SDO is ready for launch.
For audio transcripts, click here
For additonal file formats, visit the SVS
- SDO Officially an Observatory
- A major milestone was reached when Goddard engineers recently attached the instrument module to the spacecraft bus transforming it officially into an observatory. With its three instruments (AIA, EVE, and HMI), SDO will deliver startling images of the Sun that are ten times better than HD!
- HMI Integration
- HMI looks at the outside of the Sun to try and determine what is happening on the inside.
- Propulsion and Bus Integration
- After launch, SDO's propulsion system will boost the spacecraft into its geosynchronous orbit. Thrusters using the same fuel and oxidizer mix will keep SDO in the correct orbit during the mission. The Bus carries the electronics and battery for the spacecraft.
- Integrating Prop and Ring
- Mating the SDO propulsion tank and the launch vehicle payload attach fitting is done to enable Goddard engineers to perform a dry vibration test of the. Slow and care are key.
- EVE Instrument Arrival
- The Extreme ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE) measures the solar extreme ultraviolet irradiance or 'density of radiation' with unprecedented spectral resolution, temporal cadence, accuracy, and precision to advance the understanding of the solar EUV irradiance variations based on the activity of the solar magnetic features.
- HMI Arrival
- The primary goal of the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) investigation is to study the origin of solar variability and to characterize and understand the Suns interior and the various components of magnetic activity
- High Gain Antenna/Solar Array Deploy
- To send the downlink signal while flying in orbit, SDO's High Gain Antennas (HGA) needs to be pointed towards Earth. The solar arrays are there to convert the energy from the sun into DC power for the satellite and its instruments.
- Battery Integration on the Bus
- This battery will provide all the energy SDO needs while in orbit. It is charged by using the sun's energy collected by the solar array panels.
- Propulsion Tank Integration
- SDO's Propulsion Tank, with pyro-technic valves, will send the fuel to various thrusters on the observatory's main engine for launch.
- White Sands and the Mission Operations Center
- White Sands and the Mission Operations Center
- NASA's SDO Mission
- A new NASA spacecraft called the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) will deliver startling images of the sun with ten times more detail than HDTV. The goal of the mission is to help scientists zoom in on solar activity such as sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections, thus improving forcasts of solar storms.
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