Gaia sunshield deployment time-lapse sequence
Time-lapse sequences from the deployment test of the Gaia Deployable Sunshield Assembly (DSA) on 10 October 2013, in the cleanroom at Europe’s spaceport in Kourou.
Since the DSA will operate in microgravity, it is not designed to support its own weight in the one-g environment at Earth’s surface. Therefore, during deployment testing on the ground, the DSA panels are attached to a system of support cables and counterweights that bears their weight, preventing damage and providing a realistic test environment.
Once in space, the sunshield has two purposes: to shade Gaia’s sensitive telescopes and cameras, and to provide power to operate the spacecraft. Gaia will always point away from the Sun, so the underside of the skirt is partially covered with solar panels to generate electricity.
Credit: ESA
looks awesome!
Time-lapse sequences from the recent sunshield deployment test for the #Gaia satellite. Gaia is scheduled for launch on 20 November.
Description box, FTW
Con tutta la tecnologia che avete siete costretti a lavorare sdraiati sotto il mailar???
I think to protect cameras! In the orbit where it will be placed it hasn't the Earth to shield it like Hubble & Friends!
The sunshield is needed because the instrument needs a very low and very constant temperature for high precision measurements. Direct sunlight would warm it up, and also cause temperature changes and temperature gradients, that throw off the accuracy. Some general info at wikipedia: Gaia_(spacecraft)
And more info on the ESA website esa[dot]int[slash]gaia