Miracles can happen.

We made it out to CREAM today and over a nine hour period completely disassembled the instrument. Terri, Yoann, Larry Fox from CSBF and worked like crazy to complete as much as possible in one day, since the threat of only one flight has been hanging over our heads. Thanks to our amazing pilots, Jim and Louis, who were willing to spend extra time on the ice and can load a plane till it bursts, we got about 80% of CREAM back to McMurdo. All the major instrument systems are in except two calorimeter trays. Otherwise, the pre-cut palette, TCD support structure, frame uprights and diagonals along with a couple bags of cables remain. They are scheduled for pickup as part of two flights tomorrow. It is unclear if any of us will go along. We will find that out at 7AM, so I need some sleep.

I will put a more detailed description of what we accomplished with pictures on my blog ( http://antarctic-scott.blogspot.com) after I get some sleep, so look for something tomorrow afternoon your time. However, I will be later than that if I am required to go out for the final recovery of remaining items.

Fwd: Flight Summary - Flight Number 577 N

Flight Number: 577 N

Organization/Experimenter: University of Maryland -- GSFC Wallops Flight Facility / Dr. Eun-Suk Seo -- Linda Thompson

Description: The Cosmic Ray Energetics and Mass (CREAM) instrument will investigate ultra high energy cosmic rays over the elemental range from protons to iron. The goal is to observe spectral features and/or abundance changes that might be related to a supernova acceleration limit. This is the third flight for the instrument.

Date/Time Launched: 19 December 2007 / 03: 29 Z

Balloon: W39.57-2-63

CSBF Balloon Number: 993

Mil Thickness (Shell/Caps): 0.8/ 0.8

Balloon Weight: 4, 141 lbs.

Experiment Weight: 3,960 lbs.

Suspended Weight: 6, 000 lbs.

Gross Inflation: 11,155 lbs.

Free Lift: 10%

Terminate Date/Time: 17 January 2008 / 00:36 Z
Impact Date/Time: 17 January 2008 / 01:22
Impact Location 78-42.6 South / 179-40.2 East (177 nm east southeast of McMurdo Station)

Balloon Location: 78-46 South / 179-56 (Estimated)
Total Flight Time: 693 hours, 53 minutes (28 days, 21 hours, 53 minutes)
Condition of Payload: Excellent

Remarks: This flight was an operations and science success. The science preflight desired requirements were exceeded. The launch was a very smooth launch in ideal weather conditions. The science group has reported excellent performance by the instrument. The balloon performance during ascent and float were excellent. The termination was successfully performed using Over the Horizon Iridium procedures. The Rip Stitch shock attenuation system worked flawlessly. Parachute separation was successfully performed using a combination of SAPR and manual separation procedures from the LC-130 aircraft. The aircrew reports that the payload is in excellent condition, and in a very good recovery location. Recovery plans are to be determined.

successful termination of CREAM

CREAM was successfully terminated this afternoon in a textbook perfect operation. You can see a few photos on my blog at http://antarctic-scott.blogspot.com

CREAM Termination

Thank you for the good news, David. I would like to thank NASA, CSBF, NSF, and RPSC for the excellent support. Hope the recovery goes smooth and easy.

CREAM achieved a cumulative exposure of almost 100 days (just about 2 day short) with this flight of ~ 28 days. Both the science instrument and the support system worked great throughout the flight. The quality of the team work has again been demonstrated in this highly successful campaign. The balloon performance was just outstanding. The trajectory was the most beautiful one I have ever seen. The balloon was coming back to McMurdo after each round as if it knows where McMurdo was. What a great ride!

I would also like to thank the ESC/SOC operators for taking 7/24 shift. Without your cooperation and dedicated support this success could not have been possible.

Thank you.

All the best for the recovery,
Eun-Suk, January 16, 2008 EST

Gregory, David D. (GSFC-820.0) wrote:

Danny Ball just called to say the CREAM payload is on the ground. Good parachute separation was accomplished with the SAPR (Semi-Automatic Parachute Release). Payload is on its side but in great shape. Every indication is the rip-stitch worked perfectly. Payload is approximately 170 miles from McMurdo which will easily accommodate either helicopter or Twin Otter recovery. Dave Sullivan was in a LC130 to make visual confirmation. The LC130 then went to South Pole and Dave should return to McMurdo in next few hours. Congratulations to all for a great termination and to everyone who supported the entire mission from beginning to end. As soon as I get a summary report from Bill, I will forward it to all.

David Gregory

Re: CREAM instrument is now off for the termination

We cross fingers for a landing on the launch pad........

cheers,
Michel, January 16, 2008 EST

Re: CREAM instrument is now off for the termination

Thanks, Scott.
The balloon has been traveling to south for a while so it looks like there is enough margin to terminate on the Ice Shelf. Recovery on the Ice shelf would be a lot easier than the high plateau. However, It is is still about 200 nmi from McMurdo according to my crude estimate. It looks to me this balloon knows where McMurdo is and it is going to come back pretty close. Have a safe trip. Hope to hear a good news later today.

All the best,
Eun-Suk, January 16, 2008 EST

RE: CREAM instrument is now off for the termination

I will be joining the termination crew at 1000 local time for an 1130 departure on a C130. I was shooed out of the office by Dave because he is in "termination mode" and does not want interruptions, so I do not know the exact location of the instrument relative to the ice shelf. More later this afternoon.

Re: CREAM instrument is now off for the termination

Thanks, MooHyun.
I am hearing that the termination will be within the next ~3 hrs. Hope/pray/wish for a safe landing within the helicopter range. Better yet where C-130 could land.

Can someone on the Ice tell us the status there? Did the C-130 leave McMurdo? Who is on the plane?

CREAM instrument is now off for the termination

Dear All,

Now the CREAM instrument is off for the termination. It took about 15 minutes to turn off biases, HVs, powers of the CREAM sub-detector systems. And it took another 15 minutes for the CDM(WFF) to turn off powers to the CREAM instrument.

Termination will start within 6 minutes.

Dear All,

Palestine and WFF are preparing for the TDRSS termination process to be started after 6 minutes when the commanding window opens.

The termination plan

The flight termination can be any time now. CSBF is monitoring the balloon closely. If there is enough margin to safely bring down the payload on the Ice shelf they will do so before the balloon reaches McMurdo. Once CSBF gives the word, we (science & WFF's CDM) have 1.5 hrs to complete the termination procedure. SOC operators should review the shut down procedure carefully to complete the task in time. SOC operators should also let me know when the CSBF's request is made to you and when the procedure is complete.

Buckle up for landing,
Eun-Suk, January 16, 2008 EST

p.s. D. Gregory's message:

"There can be no allowance for extending this 1.5 hour window at the last minute without incurring risk of not getting the payload back down onto the Ross Ice Shelf, which in-turn could mean a longer, more difficult recovery off the East Antarctica plateau."

Status

As discussed at the collaboration meeting CREAM is collecting good data with ~100% live time. The raw data show a nice power law data over 3 decades in energy reaching ~1015 eV. Needless to say, a longer flight will allow us to reach higher energies. The balloon is performing great with a good altitude profile. The vortex was setting slow this year but it seems to be sitting pretty firm at the pole now. The trajectory is just beautiful. Our operation is smooth and the number of events is increasing steady. We have a good chance to break our own record of 42 days with another round. Considering all the effort for the refurbishment and all the risks we have to take for the launch, it is our best interest to stay up as long as possible even at the cost of not having next flight this year.

However, BPO informs me that NSF recommends us to bring down all three payloads. I am told the recovery won't be guaranteed if we go another round due to the limited availability of aircraft. Apparently the bassler incident was a big hit. Although disappointing, the flight has to be terminated in a day or two if no effort can be made for recovery after another round. We need to maintain reasonable assurance for the recovery whether we want to fly later this year or not. So, unless I hear otherwise from NSF, our current plan is to terminate the flight as the payload comes back close to McMurdo. SOC and the recovery crew should get ready for the termination. Operators should get trained for the termination procedure since the shut down request could come in any day.

A C-130 went out to the pole for the ATIC termination earlier today (1/15, ~8:30 am NZT). It will be back to McMurdo for the CREAM termination later tonight local time. CSBF may terminate CREAM if the balloon reaches the Ice shelf away from the water. If it is too close to water as in the first round, they will let it go over the mountains and recover the payload on the high plateau. Hope/wish/pray that CREAM would land in the range of helicopter or overland traverse.

Collaboration Meeting - January 10/11

The CREAM payload made its first circumpolar navigation in about 2 weeks and came back to McMurdo, within 2 miles from the launch site on Jan 2, 2008 EST. After the amazing appearance to McMurdo citizens directly over head, it has begun its second circumnavigation. Hope/wish/pray for a long and successful flight and its return to the same place after a completion of the flight.

We will have the bi-annual meeting next week as scheduled. Please send me ASAP your plan for presentations, titles and duration, if you haven't done so yet.

Approaching McMurdo

Happy New Year to you'll.

The CREAM payload is approaching McMurdo. If it stays in the course the balloon could be seen from McMurdo within/in a day or so. According to my calculation, the balloon travels at the speed of about a degree longitude per hr at the average latitude of about 78 degree although instantaneous numbers may vary.

Yoann & Terri,
Be prepared to take a photo. Finding a camera (or camera man) with a good zoom would be good.

All,
Hope/wish/pray the balloon stays south of McMurdo for the second round to continue.

Operation Status

I just got a confirmation that both JinA and Michel arrived their home OK. UMD folks arrived here as well. It was such a marathon to leave the Ice right after the launch but it worked out pretty good.

You can upload photos, videos, etc. on our collaboration bulletin board for now. Someone here at MD will put together photo albums. Instructions for large files (above the bulletin board limit) will be given later.

ATIC was launched ~3 hours ago and it is ascending at the moment. BESS was launched on 12/23, a few days after the CREAM launch. All 3 payloads are in the air above the Antarctic continent.

As per the CREAM payload, we are having good CAL triggered events with ~100% live time. The number of events are increased significantly due to lower threshold than previous 2 flights. Kudos to the CAL team. Hope to see the charge distributions of CherCam and SCD soon. The TCD/CD malfunction continues but its impact is minimal for this flight fortunately.

In case you want to know what to wish for, the balloon trajectory should be south of McMurdo. It has been drifting to North too much to my taste although is looks better now than a couple of days ago. I would've liked it to stay closer to the pole considering its being the first orbit.

I would like thank the SOC operators for working hard over the holidays and weekends.

Eun-Suk, December 26, 2007 EST

UpDate On Launch

CREAM is at float. CAL HV's are ramped up successfully and CAL triggered events are being taken. We have a trouble ramping up the S3 HV and one of the two CD HV's. More seriously, we are not getting any TCD triggers. It has been a long day and our WFF partners are already gone back to Mac town. We are losing LOS. We will have to hand over the control to SOC soon. I hope TCD/CD folks will resolve the trigger issue soon.
Eun-Suk, December 19, 2007 EST

Successful Launch!

Hurray! It was a flawless beautiful launch. Congratulations to all!
Enjoy the ride!

Eun-Suk, December 18, 2007 EST

Launch Update

Everything looks good. The balloon is committed. We are going for a launch!

Eun-Suk, December 18, 2007 EST.

LTP Complete

The LPT has been successfully completed. We are waiting for the wind direction to change to NE and the low level wind to be low enough for the launch. Some of the LPT playback data may arrive at SOC. The connectivity is not expected to good until the afternoon.

Eun-Suk, December 18, 2007 EST.

Update On Launch Attempt 2

The instrument LPT is in progress. SOC may receive data when the TDRSS connection is made in ~1.5 hrs (9:00 AM NZT). The quality of connection may not be good since the satellite angle will be still low, but we should be able to check the connectivity. Let me know how it goes.

We may have a brief network outage ~10:30 AM NZT. We will have Iridium phones to make sure are can be connected.

Eun-Suk, December 18, 2007 EST.

Update On Launch Attempt 2

As you probably could see via webcam, we are rolling out to the deck and the boss is ready to pick up the payload.

The sky is clear and the surface wind is low. We expect the wind direction to change this morning for the favorable launch condition. Prepare for a long day.

Best Wishes,
Eun-Suk, December 18, 2007 EST.

Timeline For Launch Attempt 2

Here is the time line:

The Ice crew meet at DJ at 4:00 AM NZT to arrive at Willy Field at 4:30 AM NZT. Roll out to the deck at 5:00 AM NZT (16:00 12/18 GMT, 11:00 12/18 EDT). SOC and ESC connection is expected ~18:30 12/18 GMT (13:30 12/18 EDT). The launch target is 1:30 - 2:40 PM NZT.

TDRSS Times requested:
Return - Starting at 1900 12/18 GMT and onward
Forward - Minimum 10 min per hour starting at 1900 12/18 GMT and onward

The launch preparation takes over 9 hours including our LPT which takes > 2 hrs. It would help if you can minimize your launch LPT time. Most of the Ice crew are scheduled to redeploy on 12/20 NZT the day after the anticipated launch. This is the last flight before Christmas and the next flight is on 12/27. We can make this flight if the launch occurs as planned and if the instrument can be tuned quickly enough for us to do bag dragging Wednesday evening. We need your cooperation to tune the instrument as quickly as possible. We do not have many hours to play with. Please make your best guess for all the parameters now based on our previous 2 flights to minimize any possible issues when we start taking data at float. The earlier we can turn over the control to SOC the easier the Ice crew to pack and prepare for the departure.

Thanks,
Eun-Suk, December 17, 2007 EST.

Launch Attempt #2

The next launch window is Wednesday 12/19 NZT.
Ice crew,
The show time is Wednesday 12/19, 4 AM NZT. Details to follow.

Eun-Suk, December 17, 2007 EST.

Launch window - scrubbed

We got the Sun back but the wind became southerly and strong at the higher altitude. The campaign manager Erich is calling it off. We are powering down the system.

SOC,
Thanks for standing by.

Hope to have the next window soon.

Eun-Suk, December 16, 2007 EST.

Update On launch Winow

3.00 AM

We just arrived in Willy field. It looks pretty good. Hope this weather continues to hold for us to complete the launch.

5.00 AM

The payload was picked up by the Boss. The instrument LPT is in progress. There is a large cloud covering the Sun which should move away soon for the solar panels to work. Wind wise, it is quite calm. The higher altitude wind is slowing down as well. 7:00 AM NZT launch looks good.

Eun-Suk, December 16, 2007 EST

Launch window - Monday morning 7 am NZT

I just got an update. We have a launch window on Monday morning at 7 am NZT. The Ice crew needs to leave Mac town at 9:30 pm today to complete 9 hr procedure in time for the launch. Take a necessary rest this afternoon to be fresh and bright for the night and next day.

SOC operators,
Gear up for the launch.

Best wishes for all,

Eun-Suk, December 15, 2007 EST.

Update on LDB Launches

Hello Everyone,

Many people have been asking when we are going to launch an LDB payload.
Currently, while all three payloads are ready to fly, we have been waiting for the upper atmospheric winds where the balloons float (5 mB, approx 120,000 feet) to become established in the normal austral summer anti-cyclonic pattern. These winds give us the predictable orbit around the continent, one of the major reasons for ballooning in the Antarctic. We had hoped for a first launch of the CREAM payload in the early days of December so they could have the maximum possible number of days aloft. However, similar to last season, the winds seem slow to set up this year, and just in the past few days are showing favorable signs.

Now it's a waiting game for the local weather out here at the LDB launch pad, which needs to be essentially calm from ground level up through 5,000 feet, and predictable for the launch activity duration (anywhere from 6 to 20 hours). Right now we have around 20 knots at ground level, and 35-40 knots at 500 feet - great for kites, but not so good for balloons. These conditions are expected to last through the weekend.

Stay tuned...

Eun-Suk, December 14, 2007 EST.

Pathfinder 2 launch

The pathfinder-1 trajectory was not satisfactory as you may have noticed. The pathfinder-2 launch is planned for tomorrow, Sunday 8:30 AM NZT. The weather forecast for Monday is not good. If its trajectory is promising and if the weather cooperates a possible window could open later this week. We are in a waiting mode. It is time to firm up the operation plan and the recovery plan.

One of the WFF crew broke his leg yesterday and he is returning to the US on Tuesday. Robby, the WFF field manager, is also returning to the US. So, WFF crew will be reduced by 2, which leaves with limited support for the LOS. Although we have been discussing about minimizing the instrument tuning time anyway, it is another factor that we now need to consider. Please do whatever you can to make the instrument tuning efficient in time.

Eun-Suk, December 08, 2007 EST.

CREAM Integration Status - Compatibility Hang Test Complete

The hang test is successfully completed and CREAM is now flight ready.
This would not have been possible without dedicated effort of the Ice crew for both science and WFF, SOC operators, ESC folks, and CSBF crew. Thank you all!

Eun-Suk, December 3, 2007 EST.

CREAM Compatibility Hang Test -- in 24 hours

Due to the wind picking up to 12-13 knots with gusts over 15 knots the payload was pulled back into the building. Winds are not expected to die down anytime soon, so today's test with ConUS is canceled. The good news is that the payload is now mechanically ready for flight. We'll try for a hang-test tomorrow morning. So far the forecast for tomorrow is good.

Opher , December 2, 2007 EST .

PathFinder Launch

The path finder launch is expected in 10 min.

ES , December 1, 2007 EST

CREAM Compatibility Hang Test

The weather is expected to be good with 4-8 knots wind for tomorrow, Monday December 2, NZT. It will be a good day for a hang test. SOC should be ready according to the hang test schedule shown below. The weather outlook is good for Tuesday as well. An increase in wind speed is expected for later Wednesday. The weather is not looking good for Thursday thru the weekend.

If the path finder data look good and the weather cooperates Wednesday could be a launch day. We will know more on Tuesday. Stay tuned.

Eun-Suk, December 1, 2007 EST

Approaching the launch

The path finder launch will be on Monday ~ 9: 30 am. Check the Webcam which is linked on the CREAM home page. The weather outlook is good through Wednesday. Following CPT, WFF folks will close out the payload tomorrow for a hangtest on Monday. If the pathfinder data look good the launch window could open as early as Wednesday.

Eun-Suk, November 30, 2007 EST

CREAM Integration Update - Nov 30 (NZT)

Hi all,

The joint CDM-instrument CPT is in full swing. We finished the long phase (matched power) yesterday, and the battery discharge (solar array emulator disconnected and all power from batteries) today. The weather was threatening to go to condition 2 or even 1 so we had to stop early. The remaining two phases will be done next time we can go out - hopefully tomorrow.

During today's test we saw somewhat higher noise levels in the SCD, especially in the upper layer. It is possible this was due to some RF activities nearby in the TM building, or even out at the air field. Near lunch time, when we were ready to leave, the excess noise disappeared. Since other activities nearby stopped around that time, it appears likely the source of the noise was external. Aside from this temporary noise issue the instrument is nominal and the TCD/CD, SCD and CherCam experts are happy with the data. Each day they look at the most recent data collected, so tomorrow we should know if all is still well, as we expect.

Cheers, Opher, November 29, 2007 EST

Update From Ice

Hello All,

I arrived on the Ice yesterday. More importantly, so did the batteries. The batteries are installed and being checked out. The instrument is on the battery power now. The combined CPT is scheduled for tomorrow.

It is nice and calm today and the BESS hang test is in progress.

The CREAM hangtest is planned for Monday Dec. 3.

The vortex is not set yet although the first path finder flight is scheduled for Saturday. The current projection for the first flight opportunity is later next week.

Eun-Suk, November 28, 2007 EST

Status update on CREAM-III preparations 11/20/07

Dear all,

Today (Tuesday 11/20/07 NZT) was spent mostly preparing for and carrying out the end-to-end data flow test between the Ice and ConUS. Prior to that, YSY installed another SCD script on the SFCs. According to Robby the test was successful with a few minor issues to close out over the next few days (e.g. communications between the TM building and the payload building, housekeeping data transfer between ESC (WFF) and SOC (UMD) in Iridium mode, and setting up antennas to provide ARGOS signal). Due to the success of the test, the next test will only be conducted after the CDM and instrument are mated and the joint CPT concluded.

The batteries are expected to arrive on Friday 11/23/07 NZT evening, and the WFF team will begin their installation the next morning, after they've warmed up. Until then, the instrument will be collecting muon data in flight mode for the next two or three days (unless someone needs some other type of run). The science team will accommodate the WFF team's schedule to assure as quick as possible readiness for CPT and then hang-test. The current schedule calls for flight readiness on 12/01/07 (NZT) despite the delay in battery arrival. This of course assumes good weather throughout and no major issues coming up.

Opher, November 20, 2007 EST.

Status update on CREAM-III preparations 11/19/07

Hi all,

Today (Monday 11/19/07 NZT) we did the following.

1. Upload the SCD non-connected channel script to the two SFCs.

2. Upload updates of pre-start and re-start scripts into the two SFCs.

3. Complete the 3 last points on the CherCam delay time scan with muons.

4. Take muon data with some alternate TCD HV settings.

5. Take about 30 minutes of flight mode muons during the afternoon.

One issue under investigation is the appearance of some unexplained strange events in CherCam (Laurent and Olivier are studying this). Since this is at the 0.00025% level (i.e. 1 event in 40,000) Michel says he is not at all concerned about it if they cannot fix it.

The latest on the battery issue is that they will definitely not be here Wednesday, but we're hoping they'll be here Friday night or Saturday morning.

The WFF GPS issue has been resolved. The WFF folks tested the HGA today and I believe that went well. We're preparing to set up tomorrow for the end-to-end test in the morning, so we should be ready before lunch.

The weather briefings began today. The weather man says the winter pattern has begun leaving the polar area, and he hopes to see the vortex setting up by the end of the first week of December. This implies that even with the battery delay we should be ready in plenty of time for the first launch opportunity. We're still shooting for a hang test by Dec. 1 as previously scheduled.

Opher , November 18, 2007 EST

Status update on CREAM-III preparations 11/17/07

Hi all,

Today (Saturday 11/17/07 NZT) we carried out the joint LPT with the CDM. The instrument power, data, and thermistor cabling is all connected to the CDM. The CDM is sitting under the instrument but is not mechanically integrated, as the WFF folks still need to install the batteries once they arrive (see below) so there's no point to reattach mechanically until that is done.

Tomorrow (Sunday 11/18/07 NZT) will be a day off, with work resuming Monday 11/19/07 morning. The plan for next week is as follows.

1. Redo one of the CherCam delay scan runs that had a corrupted file.
2. Run muons in flight mode again to increase statistics.
3. Test the connection between the science ground station and the WFF ground station in the TM building.
4. Test the HG antenna prior to the end-to-end data flow.
5. Carry out the end-to-end test as scheduled.

Regarding the batteries, the latest update is that the information has now gone up the ladder inside NSF up to George Blaisdell, and from him to Dave Gregory at BPO, so there is a lot of pressure on the cargo people to get the box here asap. The current time-line for the batteries is as follows.

1. LAX to Luxembourg 11/17 (via DHL :-( )
2. Luxembourg to Aukland (DHL again) on 11/22, arriving 11/24.
3. Probably via truck from Aukland to ChC, arriving on or about 11/26.
4. On a flight to McM on 11/27 (there are no flights between 11/24 and 11/26 so this is the earliest possible flight to McM for this time-line).
5. Delivery to the assembly building 11/28 AM.
6. WFF needs 5 days from then to be ready for hang-test, implying 12/3 or 12/4 readiness.

RPSC are still trying to see if going via Singapore Airlines they can save a few days and have the batteries at the assembly building by 11/21 or at least by 11/24.

My concern is that the worst case time-line does not allow for any weather delays for the flight ChC-McM or for the hang test. This season the weather has not been cooperative, and the risk for additional weather delays is considerable. This is why it would be infinitely safer for the batteries to arrive at ChC on 11/20, and to have the 11/20 flight held until the box is loaded on it, allowing the batteries to be delivered by 11/21 AM to the assembly building. That would then have us ready for hang test by 11/27, providing 3 or 4 days margin before we hit the 12/1 schedule for flight-readiness.

Opher, November 16, 2007 EST

Status update on CREAM preparations 11-16-2007

Dear all,

Today (Friday 11/16/07) we ran a muon delay-setting scan for CherCam. The data is already at Grenoble and tomorrow we may receive the preferred setting. Following this scan we ran for 4 hours in flight-mode collecting muon data with all detectors (except calorimeter). The WFF team continued their work, including installation of the upper two rows of solar panels. Tomorrow morning they will be ready to mate the CDM to the instrument and we will run the joint LPT. Next week we will do the end-to-end testing and once we're mated to the CDM we'll find the right time for a long (~8 hour) flight-mode muon run through the CDM.

The biggest issue is with the batteries. Although we were told two days ago that they had departed LAX towards ChC, and were expecting them here no later than 11/21, today we were told they were actually still at LAX and would not go out until 11/21 since they are hazmat and must fly on a cargo flight only. That would imply the box would miss a flight from ChC to McM on 11/23 and would only get to the assembly building on or about 11/28(!). After Dave raised the issue rather emphatically with all concerned, Keith is in the process of looking for better alternatives, and the latest news is that he has found a way to get the box to ChC on 11/20. Then, if he can hold the flight from ChC to McM that leaves that day until the box is delivered and loaded, we should have the batteries in hand by 11/21. If the box misses that flight, the next probably flight is 11/23, with the batteries reaching us 11/24. This is critical, as after 11/21 we will likely see a one day delay in readiness for hang-test for every day of delay in delivery. Robby says we need at least 5 days from the battery delivery until we can go to a hang test. By now I believe NSF, RPSC and BPO are all involved, so hopefully we will see a positive result...

Opher, November 15, 2007

Status update on CREAM preparations 11-15-2007

Dear all,

Today (Thursday 11/15/07) we completed the instrument-only CPT (less the flight-mode run for CherCam which will be done during the long muon run early next week). Following the CPT we collected LED data for CherCam HV tuning. The WFF team continued mechanical buildup and setting up of their ground station. Tomorrow (Friday 11/16/07) we plan to mate the CDM to the rest of the payload and carry out the joint LPT, followed by test-mode muon runs for TCD, CD, SCD and CherCam. During these runs the CherCam delay will be scanned. Over the following days we will also collect a long muon run in flight mode, preferably with CDM connected. As mentioned before, Tuesday 11/20/07 13:00 - 19:00 NZT will be the end-to-end data flow test, with backup times scheduled 24 hours and 48 hours later. The latest update on the batteries is that they are en route to ChC via com-air. They may be delivered to McM as early as tomorrow, or as late as next Tuesday. Either way it should not delay our schedule significantly.

Opher, November 15, 2007 EST

CREAM End-to-End Test

Folks,

The first end-to-end data flow test is scheduled for Tuesday 11/20/07 13:00-19:00 NZT, which is Monday 11/19/07 19:00 - Tuesday 11/20/07 01:00 EST. If this falls through there are backup periods scheduled 24 hours later and again another 24 hours after that. Please be sure to have the SOC up and manned during these 6 hour periods to support the test. We will send updates if there are any changes. I'd appreciate receiving an email acknowledgment that SOC will be up and running for the tests.

Thanks, Opher, November 14, 2007 EST

Status update on CREAM preparations 11-14-2007

Hi all,

Today (Wed 11-14-2007) the WFF team worked on getting the CDM ready for mating to the rest of the payload, including a mechanical fit-check. The science team began an instrument-only CPT, which was paused at the end of the day. So far results seem mostly nominal.

The plan for the coming days is to complete the CPT tomorrow by noon, then mate the CDM and instrument and run a joint LPT. On Friday the science team will conduct a long muon run all day, while the WFF team builds up and mounts various mechanical parts (e.g. solar array supports, etc.) and continues with preparations of the CDM and the ground station.

Opher,November 13, 2007 EST

Status update on CREAM preparations

Hi all,

Today (Tue 11/13/07) the following have been done.

1. Unpacked all the crates that were delivered yesterday afternoon.
2. Moved the empty crates out into the sea containers to optimize space in the building.
3. The science computers were set up and are working.
4. The instrument arrived at 10:30 AM NZT and was brought into the building.
5. The legs were installed and the shipping and integration dollies were moved onto the porch.
6. The instrument was surveyed visually and all appears to be nominal including cabling (one broken thermistor was already known and will be replaced in the coming days).
7. The keyboard and monitor cables prepared by Aram for ground testing of the SFC were tested and approved by Henry.
8. The instrument was hooked up to the WFF power GSE and Young Soo ran an LPT.
9. We learned that the flight critical batteries are still in Pt. Hueneme. We have been assured they will be here in a week's time. Robby is reworking the schedule after a detailed discussion with his team and believes that if the batteries are delivered in no more than a week he should be able to move things around to the point that we do not lose time.

All in all, a great deal was accomplished today through the combined efforts of the WFF team, the CSBF team and the instrument team.

Main points of the plan for the coming days:

11/14
- Run an instrument-only CPT.
- Test the TCD for light leaks.
- Interleave some WFF mechanical work into the CPT time to get things done that will save time later once the batteries are here.

11/15
- Mechanical fit-check of the CDM to the support structure, again, to save time later.

11/16
End-to-end data flow test, with Saturday (11/17) as back-up. Specific hours will be communicated once this has been scheduled. Since we want this to be truly end-to-end we'd like the SOC to support this test. We're 18 hours ahead of you, so this should be Thursday at UMD with a back-up of Friday.

Update:

The planned end-to-end test has been pushed back to when it was originally planned, between Tue and Thu next week (Mon - Wed in Maryland).

More detailed times when we know.

Robby says we are now ahead of his original schedule. If the batteries arrive as promised we should be able to meet or beat our schedule for flight readiness.

Please let me know if SOC will be ready to support the test.

Opher, November 13, 2007 EST

McMurdo

Hi all,

Today (Monday 11/12/07) we went out to the assembly building at 07:30 (NZT). We were then informed the containers would only be delivered after lunch, as the cargo lifters were busy off-loading a C-17. We took advantage of the time to arrange the inside of the building, moving shelving units, setting up tables and chairs, hooking up power strips and ethernet cables, etc. The containers arrived around 4 PM. The WFF team, the CSBF team, and the science team worked together to get all the crates that will be needed during the preparations into the building, allowing them to warm up overnight. Left outside were such items as recovery tools, solar array spares, etc. The instrument remains in warm storage. The plan for tomorrow is to unpack the crates and move the empties into the sea containers outside the building. Once the space is free in the center where the instrument is planned to stand, we will receive the instrument and begin testing. This is expected to be late !
morning. Given that we arrived 2 days later than originally planned, we have now regained about 1 day. We plan to get back at least 1 more day, and if possible more, to make sure we're flight ready by 12/1/07 as planned.

Opher, November 11, 2007 EST

We're at McMurdo

Hi all,

Tonight around 8 PM local we landed at McM. After the in-brief we had a short meeting with Dave Sullivan. He said that since the cargo arrived just this morning we should be able to get all but the instrument (which is in warm storage) first at the assembly bldg tomorrow, and once we're ready to receive the instrument it will be delivered. With enough progress this should be in the afternoon. There are no vans for the instrument teams (or WFF team). There are also no set shuttles running every 30 minutes to Willy and back because the Ice Runway is still open so the airfield at Willy will not be open probably until after our launch. Instead there are pre-arranged shuttles at 7:30 AM to Willy and at 5:30 PM back to McM. If needed, a shuttle can be called with 30 minutes advance notice. It seems the system has worked well so far for ATIC and BESS. Since ATIC has completed their hang-test yesterday, they will not be out at the assembly bldg at least for the next 4 days,!
and possibly beyond, so we should have no distractions.

Opher, November 11,2007 EST

Last (hopefully) update from ChC

Hi all,

The cargo is supposed to have been flown to McM last night (I'll verify this once we get to the CDC in a couple of hours). We're now scheduled to fly out at 3 PM local time. Hopefully next update will be once we're all safely at McM.

Opher, November 10, 2007 EST

Update from ChC

Hi all,

Unfortunately the ChC - McM flight before us that was supposed to go out today was scrubbed, and that group of people are now scheduled to fly out tomorrow (Saturday) morning. We have only been told that we're not flying tomorrow, and that more info would be forthcoming. I'll try to find out tomorrow morning if they managed to get any cargo (e.g. our instrument, etc.) into McM, but I'm doubtful.

Look for another update tomorrow.

Opher, November 9, 2007 EST

Update from ChC

Hi all,

This afternoon we were at the CDC for the cold weather gear. We learned that the 91 folks who were supposed to fly out today will try to fly out tomorrow, delaying our flight to Saturday afternoon. All our cargo is still in ChC and is now scheduled for a cargo-only flight tomorrow evening. We'll let you know if there are any further changes. Hopefully by Saturday evening both the cargo and the crew (science and WFF) will be safely at McM.

Opher November 7, 2007 EST

Update from ChC

Hi all,

This afternoon we went to CDC and checked the ECW gear. We also learned that the flight scheduled for today was canceled, so those 91 people (many of whom have been trying to fly to McM since Monday) are now scheduled to leave tomorrow (Friday). Our crew is thus delayed to a Saturday afternoon flight (takeoff 3 PM, landing 8 PM). All the cargo is still at ChC and is now scheduled to fly on a cargo-only flight tomorrow evening. If there are further flight cancellations both our crew (science and WFF) and the crates may end up delayed further. I've been told that if this happens they will likely fly us on Sunday even though they usually don't. We all hope it does not come to that and that both we and the cargo will make it safely to McM by Saturday evening.

Opher, November 7, 2007 EST

Arrived at Christchurch

Hi all,

After 30 hours, of which 20 hours in the air, we've arrived at Christchurch. Young Soo, Jin A, Fritz and I are now at the CDC, but will shortly head into town. Terri arrived a few days ago and is staying at the Windsor with the rest of the instrument group (except Michel who is staying at the Hotel So also in town). Michel is expected to arrive in the next hour or so. Robby and the rest of his team are also expected later today. The weather here in ChC is quite pleasant at the moment.

The Travel Office folks tell me that they are currently in a delay mode due to bad weather at McM, but that they hope to have that resolved by tomorrow, allowing us to fly over on Friday per our original schedule. In any case, we will be at the CDC tomorrow at 1 PM local for the ECW gear. I expect to email again once we know for sure our flight schedule to the Ice.


Opher, November 6, 2007 EST