With other launches complete, and SPIDER all finished, we’re ready to get together with The Boss for our official pre-flight compatibility check. I get excited because this is the first time I see SPIDER outside (having missed other outings while on night shift). Because this process involves SPIDER sitting outside for a while on a beautiful day, we take lots of photos—including portraits with out soon-to-depart telescope.
Ready to roll out
Let the excitement begin!
Derek connects us to The Boss
And connects electronics for the balloon/parachute
SPIDER and The Boss
SPIDER in the sun
Which is cool looking on mylar/solar panels, slightly concerning on the telescopes
Shiny shimmering solar stuff
Very important hose
Connecting to a pump that gets moved to The Boss
CSBF solar panels and yellow safety stand
The Boss
SPIDER and The Boss, plus parachute bucket
Cynthia is on Team Pump
On The Boss
Fully suspended
And off the porch
Driving around
SPIDER sits in the snow
Resting in an open patch of snow
Just hangin'
Portrait time: Jamil
Jeff
Sasha
Anne
Portrait time: SPIDER alone
Jon runs around
To photograph an LC-130 as it flies past
Bill
Nat
Me
Don
Bill and Barth
The (remaining) professors
Jeff and Lorenzo
Team Caltech (plus Becky, who I assume is here in spirit)
Ed takes a break on the porch
Heading back inside
Now judged compatible
Examining the "ice fog"
Seeing its cool shine, and hoping it won't interfere with our upcoming launch attempt
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