ISS Update
In the Station’s Destiny laboratory last week, Science Officer Ed Lu oversaw completion of the second successful test run inside the Microgravity Sciences Glovebox of the Pore Formation and Mobility In-vestigation, in which samples of a transparent test material are melted so researchers can study the formation of bubbles that might diminish the strength or usefulness of metals or crystals. Two more test sessions of PFMI are scheduled for this week, and three others later in Expedition 7.

ELV Update
The Gravity Probe B spacecraft (left) is at NASA spacecraft processing hangar 1610 on North Vandenberg Air Force Base. In processing activities last week, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) test was successfully completed. The erection of the first stage of the Boeing Delta II launch vehicle at Space Launch Complex 2 remains scheduled to begin on Sept. 15.

Gravity Probe B is an experiment being developed by NASA and Stanford University to test two unverified predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativ-ity. The experiment will check very precisely tiny changes in the direction of spin of four gyroscopes con-tained in the satellite in a 650 km polar orbit.. The gyro-scopes will measure how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth, and, more profoundly, how the Earth’s rotation drags space-time around with it. These effects, though small for the Earth, have far-reaching implications for the nature of matter and the structure of the Universe.

Construction at the intersection of NASA Parkway and Visitor Complex entrance
VA Paving has begun construction on the eastbound lanes of the intersection of NASA Parkway and Visitor Complex entrance. The contractor’s daily work period will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. During peak traffic hours, two lanes will be always open on the eastbound lanes of the NASA Parkway. Depending on weather conditions, the work is scheduled to take 4 to 6 weeks to complete. To ensure the workers’ safety, and yours, please be extra careful and observe and abide by the posted speed limits and construction directional signs. Security is supporting the work site as much as possible, and speeding fines will be doubled if workers are present. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Brian Graf, 867-6039 or e-mail Brian.G.Graf@nasa.gov; or Jim Lorence, 867-9293, or e-mail James.P.Lorence@nasa.gov, in the NASA Facilities Civil/Structural Branch.