Wallops Flight Facility

Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) provides all sections of the payload other than the scientific instrument. This includes the parachute, attitude control system (pointing), guidance system (during launch), and telemetry system. Before heading to the missile range, it is important to carry out full systems Integration and Testing (I&T) at WFF, to ensure that all components of the payload function as expected when fully assembled.

The finishing touches are put on the payload at WFF, such as final harnessing of electrical cables.

Here I am (in background) installing final components on our electronics section. Our telemetry technician, Rosie, is seen in the foreground.

Here I am harnessing the shutter door cables.

A look down the front end of the payload. You can see my face reflected in the star tracker alignment flat.

Installing the star tracker.

The experiment team that travelled to WFF.

From left to right: Ted Schultz (electrical engineer), Jake McCoy (junior grad student), Drew Miles (undergrad assistant), Thomas Rogers (me!), and Randy McEntaffer (PI).

More harnessing.

The WFF and Experimenter teams with the payload.