Gamma ray telescope launched into space by NASA

William Atkins
Thursday, 12 June 2008 01:37

Science - Space

NASA reports that the GLAST spacecraft successfully separated from the second stage of the Delta 2 rocket at 1:20 p.m. EDT.

Then, the flight computer proceeded to power the systems that control the spacecraft. Following power-up, twelve minutes later, the solar arrays were successfully deployed on schedule.

It is being reported by NASA mission managers that the solar arrays are providing power to the satellite and its instruments. While all of this is happening, ground controllers are checking out its systems to make sure they are functioning ok.

GLAST program manager Kevin Grady (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland) stated upon the successful launch, “The entire GLAST Team is elated the observatory is now on-orbit and all systems continue to operate as planned.” [NASA: "NASA's GLAST Launch Successful"]

Now in low-earth orbit (LEO), the GLAST observatory will transmit test data back to ground controllers on Earth for about three weeks. After another five weeks of checks and calibrations the GLAST will begin science operations.

When operational, GLAST will, as NASA states, “... explore the most extreme environments in the universe, searching for signs of new laws of physics and investigating what composes mysterious dark matter. It will seek explanations for how black holes accelerate immense jets of material to nearly light speed, and look for clues to crack the mysteries behind powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.”

For further information about the GLAST mission, please visit: “GLAST at NASA.”