NASA successfully completed two pre-vibration solar array
deployment tests of the Global Precipitation Measurement satellite on June 6
and June 15, 2013.
“Cross your fingers. Cross your toes,” said Art Azarbarzin,
GPM project manager, as he watched engineers take their places around the GPM
Core satellite, set up on its end in the middle of the clean room.
A loud hiss filled the room as engineers turned on air
hoses. The hoses pumped air through tubes attached to the solar panels’
supports and out of hockey puck-shaped coasters. Azarbarzin explained that the
support system and air cushion is designed to reduce friction and best mimic
how the solar array would float in space.