- Lunch break in Stockholm
- Killing time with REMOS in Lulea
- EXPLORE during unpacking
- The EXPLORE team and their experiment
Day 2, 15.02.2011 - Integration of the Experiments
The team has the full day to inspect the experiment after the shipping and to ensure that everything is functioning as usual. Some minor adjustments are done.
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- Robert, Andreas, Christine and Johannes with EXPLORE
- REXUS 9 Bench Test
- Daniel inspects the experiment
- Christine with the EXPLORE setup
Day 3, 16.02.2011 - Integration and 1st Bench Test
In the morning, the team had time for last checks of the experiment. All parts were tested again functionally and re-integrated in to the experiment module.
The REXUS 9 bench test is run in the afternoon. It is the first in a series of official test runs for the experiments for flight acceptance. During bench test, all modules of one rocket are ligned up on the table and connected to the service module. Then, a simulation with all signals, commands and telemetry as in the real flight is carried out. The experiments are "flying" without leaving the integration hall. The purpose of the test is to show the correct communication between the experiment, the service module and the ground support elements.
Because of smaller problems between experiments and the service module, a second bench test will be done on the next day.
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- EXPLORE during the 2nd Bench Test
- All REXUS 9 teams watch their ground stations
- EXPLORE is Ready!
- Andreas and Daniel during Flight Simulation
Tag 4, 17.02.2011 - 2. Bench Test und Flight Simulation (REXUS 9)
In the morning, the second bench test is conducted. Here, all teams can check once again the communication with their experiment and watch the modules closely during the full procedure.
in the afternoon we then proceed to the flight simulation. This means another full test, but with the teams in the science center, the payload control room about 1 km away from the experiment and with no direct sight. Representatives from each team will be here also for the countdown and launch to supervise the ground support software. In this test, all communication from the experiment and rocket to the ground stations are confirmed.
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- EXPLORE Team and Experiment
- EXPLORE experiment module in the rocket
- Andreas with the REXUS 9 payload
- Integration hall "The Church"
Day 5, 18.02.2011 - Payload Integration (REXUS 9); Bench Test and Flight Simulation (REXUS 10)
Today, the REXUS 9 experiments are connected and assembled with the service module, the recovery module and the separation module. It is an impressive sight of the complete payload with the rocket nose cone!
The correct connection of all cables is checked in a final signal test before the payload is integrated with the rocket motor.
At the same time, the experiments on the REXUS 10 rocket run through their bench tests and flight simulation. For the EXPLORE team, flying on REXUS 9, the day is rather quiet, apart from the exciting moments during assembly.
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- EXPLORE on the way to Kiruna
- The wooden church of Kiruna
- Entrance to the Icehotel
- Drinks in the Icebar
Day 6, 19.02.2011 - Relaxation Day for all Teams
A rest day for all the teams, necessary after the intense week. The teams use it to collect new strength for the upcoming launch campaign and to reflect impressions from the past week.
EXPLORE goes on a visit to Kiruna with the whole team, sightseeing in the town around the large ore mine. Coloured wooden houses and an impressive wooden church in the winter landscape.
In the afternoon, EXPLORE visits the Icehotel. It is built every year from the clear ice of the nearby river in Jukkasjärvi. A unique snow mixture and clear ice blocks allow the construction of unique buildings, rooms and sculptures of ice. And the team also takes a drink in the Icebar.
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- Roll-out of REXUS 9
- Christine signs the Flight Readiness Agreement
Day 7, 20.02.2011 - Flight Readiness Review
In the morning, most REXUS students sleep in and relax. At the same time, the REXUS 9 payload is brought together with the rocket motor and rolled out to the launch pad.
In the afternoon, the teams get together again for the Flight Readiness Review. In a short presentation, all teams run through their project and describe the way of the experiments from conception to the launch campaign. They confirm that their payload is ready for flight. Some problems that had to be overcome in the course of the last year are described, as well as all the tests that ensured the functioning of the experiments.
Additionally, also the experts from Esrange Space Center and DLR confirm the OK for launch preparations. They explain the details of the countdown. All team managers sign the Flight Readiness Agreement: REXUS 9 and 10 are "Ready for Launch"!!
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