Magnetospheric Multiscale Animated Visualizations

Videos & Animations

Horizontal Deployment Test of Magnetometer Boom: This video demonstrates the final phase of Magnetometer Boom deployment following the Thermal-Vacuum Qualification test. Engineers want to ensure the boom mechanisms were not adversely affected during Thermal Vacuum cycles.
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Mass Properties Test for the Mechanical Structure of Spacecraft #4: MMS Structure #4 undergoes a mass properties test performed on the MRC Mark V spin balance machine (Miller table). The purpose of this test is to gain an understanding of how well the mass properties of the adapter structure and an observatory can be measured, how well the adapter structure can be aligned, and how well an observatory can be balanced.
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The Power System and Engine Valve Drive Electronic Systems (PSEES) Vibration Test: In this video the PSEES (the black box in the center of the video with cables attached) undergoes vibration testing at GSFC. It is bolted on to a vibration table that shakes the unit to simulate the vibrations that it will endure when launched as part of the entire MMS Observatory. During this vibration test the system is powered and operating the same way that it will be used during launch. Behind the shaker table, Brad Kercheval and Mehul Patel monitor telemetry to make sure the PSEES is operating properly.
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Thrust Tube #4 Strength Qualification Test on Centrifuge: MMS consists of four near identical spacecraft stacked vertically for launch. The center rings, or Thrust Tube is the primary load carrying structure with the lower spacecraft Thrust Tube carrying the entire load from the upper three spacecrafts. The general objective of High Capacity Centrifuge (HCC) strength testing is to introduce 1.25 times the expected flight load value at major structural interfaces and critical structural members. This video shows the MMS load spinning on the end of the Centrifuge arm as part of this strength test.
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MMS Orbit Animation: This animation shows the orbits of Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission, a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising of four identically instrumented spacecraft that will study the Earth’s magnetosphere.
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Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) Dayside Orbit Animation for the Preliminary Design Review (PDR): This visualization uses simulated ephemerides to show the proposed orbits of the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) during the “dayside magnetosheath/magnetopause” orbit phase. The movie initially shows the general orientation of the orbit with respect to the Earth, Moon, and Sun. It then zooms in to “ride” along with the spacecraft. We then zoom in even closer to show that there are actually four spacecraft flying in a tetrahedral formation.
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Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) Nightside Orbit Animation for the Preliminary Design Review (PDR): This visualization uses simulated ephemerides to show the proposed orbits of the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) during the “nightside” orbit phase. The movie initially shows the general orientation of the orbit with respect to the Earth, Moon, and Sun. It then moves in towards the Earth revealing Earth’s magnetic field. The camera then moves down towards the dark side of the Earth showing how MMS will fly through the tail of the magnetosphere.
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