With the lab set up, our first big task was to get our cryostat Llorothaag (aka Lloro) ready to do science. She both holds Spider’s six telescope inserts, and allows the detectors to reach the extremely cold temperature they need to operate with high sensitivity. Lloro has layers nested within that get progressively colder: starting with the vacuum vessel at ambient temperature that allows the air to be removed inside like a vacuum flask; then two layers of vapour cooled shields (VCS) before reaching the main liquid helium tank and the smaller superfluid helium tank, and finally the closed cycle helium-3 adsorption fridges. To get ready to operate, these layers need to be disassembled, before the science instruments can be installed inside, and then all closed again.
We also had a trickle of new people arriving throughout the week. First Elle and Simon arrived, followed Johanna and Jared, then Bill, and finally Jason and Sho. We also lost Sherry, who left to start her new job and be reuinited with her puppy. Bye Sherry, we’ll miss you!
![Vy works on a telescope insert Vy works on a telescope insert • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144340288/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144340288_3cbcfc341e_m.jpg)
Vy works on a telescope insert
![Simon and Elle work on another Simon and Elle work on another • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144557794/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144557794_9cd4f3a505_m.jpg)
Simon and Elle work on another
![They work together on their first day after arrivinig They work together on their first day after arrivinig • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143299077/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143299077_374c383621_m.jpg)
They work together on their first day after arrivinig
Conveniently for those of us trying to photograph the new arrivals at work
!["Team Overalls" start to assemble the gondola "Team Overalls" start to assemble the gondola • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143299062/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143299062_0334fe6fd4_m.jpg)
"Team Overalls" start to assemble the gondola
Over in the other highbay. Starting with the ground support cart.
![Day off Day off • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143299042/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143299042_8a5b18fddc_m.jpg)
Day off
On our first day off, we visit the drive through safari park
![Feed me! Feed me! • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144557739/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144557739_88c25d3611_m.jpg)
Feed me!
This miniature royal yak neatly sums up the experience
![Stinky boy Stinky boy • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144557694/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144557694_b754f85d54_m.jpg)
Stinky boy
Poses in front of a pond
![Back to inserts Back to inserts • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144340178/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144340178_51862a42d9_m.jpg)
Back to inserts
And back to work
![Finishing the last IRTHM Finishing the last IRTHM • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144340158/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144340158_27a354e752_m.jpg)
Finishing the last IRTHM
It gets a rotation stage to earn the R in Insert Rotation Thingamajig
![Suren poses with his handy work Suren poses with his handy work • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144557679/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144557679_8f604803f3_m.jpg)
Suren poses with his handy work
![All six inserts at once! All six inserts at once! • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144340118/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144340118_ddd085177c_m.jpg)
All six inserts at once!
We can now fully parallelize
![The housekeeping break-out panel The housekeeping break-out panel • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144956080/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144956080_fd1bf69796_m.jpg)
The housekeeping break-out panel
We try to condense wiring messiness into a few places. This is one of the neater ones
![Hiding the mess again Hiding the mess again • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144956075/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144956075_3f5d17aaa6_m.jpg)
Hiding the mess again
![Lloro Lloro's top dome open • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144340098/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144340098_5cfd605d74_m.jpg)
Lloro's top dome open
The first stage of opening is to have the riggers lift this off with a crane
![Bottom dome in a corner Bottom dome in a corner • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298972/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298972_978387cd42_m.jpg)
Bottom dome in a corner
The lighter bottom dome can be taken off by hand
![Neutral resting position Neutral resting position • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144340068/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144340068_c155897793_m.jpg)
Neutral resting position
On the cart, when empty
![Suren pulls Suren pulls • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144340043/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144340043_b7deed1ddf_m.jpg)
Suren pulls
To a non-neutral horizontal position for easier access
![Surprise portrait Surprise portrait • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144557574/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144557574_697b00c45d_m.jpg)
Surprise portrait
I catch Simon having a snack
![Elle insepcts carbon fiber legs Elle insepcts carbon fiber legs • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144802185/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144802185_a933c2e1d2_m.jpg)
Elle insepcts carbon fiber legs
Which support the separate temperature stages in the insert.
![Susan takes it outside Susan takes it outside • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144319311/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144319311_53b6164212_m.jpg)
Susan takes it outside
With sunglasses and new gloves
![To look cool while cleaning insert wraps To look cool while cleaning insert wraps • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298902/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298902_eeafdfb31a_m.jpg)
To look cool while cleaning insert wraps
![Joseph over in "Bemco-land" Joseph over in "Bemco-land" • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144557509/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144557509_b9367b1ceb_m.jpg)
Joseph over in "Bemco-land"
Where we continue to prepare for thermal-vacuum testing
![Vy at her desk Vy at her desk • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144339978/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144339978_4a73610fd4_m.jpg)
Vy at her desk
Dealing with another experiment (SuperBIT) temporarily
![Lloro Lloro's empty bottom • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144339953/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144339953_8270fe9556_m.jpg)
Lloro's empty bottom
![Lloro Lloro's empty top • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144319251/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144319251_bb164a8e57_m.jpg)
Lloro's empty top
![It It's full of faces! • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298862/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298862_92636efe14_m.jpg)
It's full of faces!
![An uncovered detector focal plane An uncovered detector focal plane • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144720159/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144720159_d92db32543_m.jpg)
An uncovered detector focal plane
Though the detectors themselves are hidden behind yet another filter
![Installing a "spittooon" Installing a "spittooon" • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144470216/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144470216_27f3bb39b9_m.jpg)
Installing a "spittooon"
A layer of magnetic shielding and filters that surrounds the detectors
![Tiny Cat Tiny Cat • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144956055/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144956055_bb24c31a4e_m.jpg)
Tiny Cat
Our slightly feral friend that lives near the hotel
![Susan climbs into the back of the busy Bemco chamber Susan climbs into the back of the busy Bemco chamber • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144955965/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144955965_f3e633ba02_m.jpg)
Susan climbs into the back of the busy Bemco chamber
Somehow
![Preparing to insert inserts Preparing to insert inserts • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144319086/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144319086_1fd9368ed9_m.jpg)
Preparing to insert inserts
![Corwin reflects Corwin reflects • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298707/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298707_4d7aabdfb3_m.jpg)
Corwin reflects
On the filter stacks beneath an insert's vacuum window
![Elle and Y3 Elle and Y3 • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144319061/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144319061_1ded4f5c0e_m.jpg)
Elle and Y3
![Two inserts inserted, from the top Two inserts inserted, from the top • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298682/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298682_7211c8d88d_m.jpg)
Two inserts inserted, from the top
![A half-wave plate on top of the lower insert A half-wave plate on top of the lower insert • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298662/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298662_04df2a136f_m.jpg)
A half-wave plate on top of the lower insert
Allows us to rotate the polarization signal we measure, making the detection more robust
![Filter on top of other insert Filter on top of other insert • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298657/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298657_de55783fa8_m.jpg)
Filter on top of other insert
This thermal filter allows the detectors to get cold, while still being able to see the sky
![Insert insertion Insert insertion • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144557164/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144557164_72ce0c6482_m.jpg)
Insert insertion
Using people power
![Getting closer Getting closer • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144557139/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144557139_98146e960b_m.jpg)
Getting closer
![Jared helps from the front Jared helps from the front • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318991/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318991_b02831dca4_m.jpg)
Jared helps from the front
Another new arrival
![Inside the Bemco chamber (round 1) Inside the Bemco chamber (round 1) • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318901/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318901_00086a437a_m.jpg)
Inside the Bemco chamber (round 1)
We finally have everything ready to test in simulate flight conditions
![Simon attempts to close the door Simon attempts to close the door • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298607/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298607_0210e79ba1_m.jpg)
Simon attempts to close the door
Unsuccessfully
![Vy inspects an insert Vy inspects an insert • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318946/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318946_6fdebc74cc_m.jpg)
Vy inspects an insert
Before it can be loaded.
![Suren install heat straps Suren install heat straps • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144557079/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144557079_55e9228592_m.jpg)
Suren install heat straps
To connect different parts of the insert to our different temperature stages at 2 K and 4 K (degrees above absolute zero)
![Joseph closes the door successfully Joseph closes the door successfully • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801720/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801720_6fc3404b47_m.jpg)
Joseph closes the door successfully
He's the flight engineer that has been helping us out. (He was the official engineer for Spider's first flight)
![Bemco business Bemco business • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144557029/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144557029_e024b80354_m.jpg)
Bemco business
Cable feed-throughs into the vacuum chamber. And a pressure gauge showing 2 mbar (1/500 of normal atmosphere)
![Testing a vacuum window Testing a vacuum window • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801695/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801695_d70b475e0a_m.jpg)
Testing a vacuum window
Corwin measures how far it deflects
![Johanna adjusts a half-wave plate rotation mechanism Johanna adjusts a half-wave plate rotation mechanism • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801675/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801675_f68ef6d61a_m.jpg)
Johanna adjusts a half-wave plate rotation mechanism
One of them got a little wobbly during shipping.
![Cool Spider sweater Cool Spider sweater • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144339508/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144339508_2f6cbf108e_m.jpg)
Cool Spider sweater
Wearable thanks to extreme air conditioning in Texas
![Corwin IB checking Corwin IB checking • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801680/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801680_8fb08febcd_m.jpg)
Corwin IB checking
This automatically checks that all of the detectors are connected. Using the readout electronics crates recently released from their Bemco test
![Elle inspects a thermal filter stack Elle inspects a thermal filter stack • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318816/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318816_de9d0581c3_m.jpg)
Elle inspects a thermal filter stack
![And poses with her handiwork And poses with her handiwork • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801635/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801635_333ab92b9c_m.jpg)
And poses with her handiwork
![Catching Bill doing real work Catching Bill doing real work • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298417/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298417_58ae2b4d49_m.jpg)
Catching Bill doing real work
He managed to escape meetings long enough to join us
![Sorted screws Sorted screws • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298402/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298402_ff692c0c6b_m.jpg)
Sorted screws
Heroically separated after unintentional combining during shipping
![Filter reflections Filter reflections • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318766/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318766_824165aa87_m.jpg)
Filter reflections
![Joseph making cables Joseph making cables • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144470141/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144470141_75d4a241f6_m.jpg)
Joseph making cables
With improvised wire spool
![All six telescope inserts All six telescope inserts • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801560/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801560_c89327a44e_m.jpg)
All six telescope inserts
Loaded into the bottom of the main tank
![Stacked insert holders Stacked insert holders • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144556914/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144556914_dea818f3f9_m.jpg)
Stacked insert holders
![A closer look at the capillary assembly A closer look at the capillary assembly • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801545/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801545_da0f1b8072_m.jpg)
A closer look at the capillary assembly
Though most of the interesting bits are covered in the box on the bottom
![All six half-wave plates installed on top All six half-wave plates installed on top • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144556854/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144556854_7a1eece54b_m.jpg)
All six half-wave plates installed on top
And all rotating successfully
![Debugging Debugging • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144556839/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144556839_a81a32d424_m.jpg)
Debugging
Wiring issues were discovered (and fixed) in one of the inserts
![Jason tests wires Jason tests wires • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298307/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298307_54b0b0ae5e_m.jpg)
Jason tests wires
One of our latest new arrivals
![Team filter stacking Team filter stacking • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801460/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801460_f684e3c295_m.jpg)
Team filter stacking
Inclusing Sho. The other new arrival that I appear to have not gotten good photographs of
![Suren working on the gondola Suren working on the gondola • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801440/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801440_7aee904f9c_m.jpg)
Suren working on the gondola
![The top half of Lloro The top half of Lloro • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144339293/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144339293_4e473653e3_m.jpg)
The top half of Lloro
Complete and ready for insulation layers
![Upper half of top half Upper half of top half • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298252/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298252_59d9c7ecfd_m.jpg)
Upper half of top half
![Dremel tool Dremel tool • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801395/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801395_ae1f5f747e_m.jpg)
Dremel tool
It's always a "good" sign when that's needed
![Who needs fancy fiberglass? Who needs fancy fiberglass? • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144339208/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144339208_772bfc8b33_m.jpg)
Who needs fancy fiberglass?
When you can use a popsicle stick in a pinch
![Testing vacuum gauges Testing vacuum gauges • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144339218/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144339218_ab7eb55a18_m.jpg)
Testing vacuum gauges
![First layer of thermal shielding on top First layer of thermal shielding on top • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144556689/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144556689_20d535fece_m.jpg)
First layer of thermal shielding on top
aka VCS1 (vapour cooled shield #1)
![More filter stacking More filter stacking • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801335/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801335_362f512f8c_m.jpg)
More filter stacking
![Corwin finishes the bottom Corwin finishes the bottom • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318491/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318491_335abdf5ff_m.jpg)
Corwin finishes the bottom
![The complete bottom half of Lloro The complete bottom half of Lloro • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298117/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298117_3e9ec391a6_m.jpg)
The complete bottom half of Lloro
![Bottom half in profile Bottom half in profile • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144339158/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144339158_e42d8854a8_m.jpg)
Bottom half in profile
![A look at the new sapphire filter installed on VCS1 A look at the new sapphire filter installed on VCS1 • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144556599/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144556599_1d5187b4da_m.jpg)
A look at the new sapphire filter installed on VCS1
With cool swirly pattern of clips
![VCS1 top complete shield and fitlers VCS1 top complete shield and fitlers • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298092/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298092_e60995c9c4_m.jpg)
VCS1 top complete shield and fitlers
Plus cardboard covers over the more delicate filters
![Complete and shiny VCS1 Complete and shiny VCS1 • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144339103/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144339103_34790cf7d8_m.jpg)
Complete and shiny VCS1
Including an insulating blanket of multi-layer insulation (MLI)
![Elle waves Elle waves • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143391502/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143391502_8ebd661020_m.jpg)
Elle waves
Hello shiny filter
![Second shield layer: VCS2 top Second shield layer: VCS2 top • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318366/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318366_039fc4d7bb_m.jpg)
Second shield layer: VCS2 top
![The first shield VCS1 coming together on the bottom The first shield VCS1 coming together on the bottom • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318346/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318346_eb64951eaf_m.jpg)
The first shield VCS1 coming together on the bottom
![Caught you! Caught you! • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143298002/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143298002_b3504c8316_m.jpg)
Caught you!
Suren uses an adjustable wrench
![Installing the bottom blanket Installing the bottom blanket • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318321/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318321_950d7b8b83_m.jpg)
Installing the bottom blanket
This takes a lot of hands, and a fair bit of fussing.
![Cryogenic housekeeping electronics Cryogenic housekeeping electronics • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144556494/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144556494_f8bfb516cf_m.jpg)
Cryogenic housekeeping electronics
And a mess of cables. Testing that all the thermometers and heaters work.
![Wiring on VCS2 top Wiring on VCS2 top • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143297962/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143297962_36deeb0c83_m.jpg)
Wiring on VCS2 top
![Jared and Sho close up VCS2 on the bottom Jared and Sho close up VCS2 on the bottom • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801125/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801125_7d2e4b6086_m.jpg)
Jared and Sho close up VCS2 on the bottom
![While Corwin and Vy fix up its blanket While Corwin and Vy fix up its blanket • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144801100/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144801100_735e19950c_m.jpg)
While Corwin and Vy fix up its blanket
![Final bottom blanket Final bottom blanket • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143297912/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143297912_3c236f5916_m.jpg)
Final bottom blanket
![Removing the filter covers on top Removing the filter covers on top • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144556419/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144556419_f923b6d90a_m.jpg)
Removing the filter covers on top
![And installing the final blanket there too And installing the final blanket there too • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318191/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318191_9dd98f698a_m.jpg)
And installing the final blanket there too
![This operation requires a lot of ladders This operation requires a lot of ladders • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318171/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318171_e0075cf0ae_m.jpg)
This operation requires a lot of ladders
![Underneath the top dome Underneath the top dome • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144955875/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144955875_cbe3c2be16_m.jpg)
Underneath the top dome
Showing the recessed window buckets and their layer of filters
![Bottom dome installation Bottom dome installation • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52143297832/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52143297832_d4d95140d1_m.jpg)
Bottom dome installation
With Vy and Sho providing people power
![With Suren and Johanna With Suren and Johanna • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318146/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318146_4752d43364_m.jpg)
With Suren and Johanna
Among others, on the other side of the circle
!["I suck the least" "I suck the least" • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144556319/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144556319_ff00afdcf3_m.jpg)
"I suck the least"
We test our new set of gauges against our old work horse
![Joseph prepares to pump on the vacuum vessel Joseph prepares to pump on the vacuum vessel • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144318111/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144318111_37b538c958_m.jpg)
Joseph prepares to pump on the vacuum vessel
![Post-pumping meeting Post-pumping meeting • <a style="font-size:0.8em;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27717602@N03/52144338853/" target="_blank">View on Flickr</a>](https://farm66.static.flickr.com/65535/52144338853_5e5d5f0031_m.jpg)
Post-pumping meeting
And collective sigh of relief after a long hard week.
Awesome folks! Best of luck. 🙂
Keep these pictures coming. It’s a lot of fun to see all the work and progress from far away!
Too much nerd stuff. Need moar BBQ pics. And bull riding.