PI Daily, February 2021
By Lindy Elkins-Tanton Starting January 1, 2020…
a new series of daily mission activity Tweets from Psyche Principal Investigator (PI) Lindy Elkins-Tanton.
#PI_Daily
The goal? To share an inside look at the chores, challenges, tasks, assignments, duties, and more taken on by a NASA mission PI!
Follow along on @MissionToPsyche or below.
The usual topic diversity…#PI_Daily for @MissionToPsyche
– Rev cool new science with students #LPSC2021
– Instrument delivery schedule updates
– 1:1 w @Jim_Bell to discuss Psyche & @NASAPersevere
– Beginning prep for launch Guest Operations! OMG! @SpaceXPad39A here we come. pic.twitter.com/MHjyozJl2W— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 26, 2021
These "send your name" programs are so much fun, and help us each feel personally involved. We're planning one for @MissionToPsyche – stay tuned on how to send your name to a metallic world!#PI_Daily https://t.co/69TykgpMyH
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 25, 2021
Today is @MissionToPsyche Monthly Management Review. We're hanging in there with schedule, despite COVID.
The prelim nationwide Indian civil services competitive exam, the UPSC IAS, contains a question about Psyche! My Google alert brought this to me this morning. pic.twitter.com/DR0s6T4omZ
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 24, 2021
Today is cameras in space. @NASAPersevere's Mars landing video, & awaiting @Jim_Bell's Mastcam-Z images!
Now I'm in the mthly review for @MissionToPsyche imagers. In a few years, the first images of a metallic world!
And who is in charge of our imagers? @Jim_Bell !#PI_Daily https://t.co/JaIeFdmmDJ
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 22, 2021
T-1 for landing of @NASAPersevere!
Everyone on @MissionToPsyche wishes everyone on the Perseverance rover our very best. We, and all the Martians (see below) be watching tomorrow!#PI_Daily pic.twitter.com/UIjZJe2Hg0
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 17, 2021
ATLO for @MissionToPsyche begins in 14 days!
All instruments need to be delivered to @NASAJPL this spring. Schedule inspection and discussion daily. Goal: No slips.
Here's some gorgeous asteroid art created for the mission by Max Couper.#PI_Daily pic.twitter.com/qvsd6Deomo
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 16, 2021
Just 3 meters from my study window. These Gambel's quail and the desert cottontail are helping us get @MissionToPsyche to launch, with their overwhelming cuteness. Seriously, however, some reliable unscheduled cheer is a great thing when there's a lot of pressure.#PI_Daily pic.twitter.com/vtqY51RuUO
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 12, 2021
Nice summary of the process of winning a mission from @MissionToPsyche's sister mission, @LucyMission.
P.S. Our concept study report was 1,053pp. Imagine being on the review board…5 of these to read!#PI_Daily https://t.co/sCNwzRiSbq
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 10, 2021
Right now in @MissionToPsyche leadership staff mtg we are discussing our beautiful DSMs.
What is a DSM?
DAPM-Actuated SPT Module.
DAPM?
Dual-Axis Positioning Mechanism.
SPT?
Stationary Plasma Thruster.Bottom line: We're going to space!#AcronymsWithinAcronyms#PI_Daily pic.twitter.com/Caq23FSzPv
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 9, 2021
"This is the 4th critical event that I've been involved in" in his career, says @HopeMarsMission Dan Kubitschek. @HopeMarsMission just did orbital insertion, Dan's 4th.
"critical events…are those which, if not executed successfully…can lead to loss…of mission."#PI_Daily
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 9, 2021
Right now the UAE Hope mission @mohapuae is attempting to enter orbit around Mars. All of us on @MissionToPsyche are cheering you in! In a few years, it'll be our turn to go into orbit around Psyche. I'm trying to imagine that moment.#PI_Dailyhttps://t.co/7jtgNkQTrM
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 9, 2021
We share a lot of our everyday activities under #PI_Daily. But there's no mystery, really. Like any job anywhere, there are wins and losses and bad days and good days.
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 9, 2021
Hey Twitterverse! Could you vote for the topic you'd like to hear more about?@MissionToPsyche is preparing blog schedule for our whole upcoming Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations phase, through August 2022 launch.
Thanks for the help!#PI_Daily
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 5, 2021
Digging into two fascinating @MissionToPsyche s/c requirements.
1. Max eclipse time (behind Psyche) to keep batteries charged acceptably.
2. Max tip-off rates (rotation of s/c from separation from launch vehicle)Image: Falcon not Heavy but similar, tipoff far right.#PI_Daily pic.twitter.com/yCAxt7IvKs
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 4, 2021
Learn how we navigate our spacecraft to Psyche, from @MissionToPsyche nav team member Drew Jones!#PsycheBlogs#PI_Dailyhttps://t.co/P89OuiEORa pic.twitter.com/uyEfXtPrBW
— Lindy Elkins-Tanton (@ltelkins) February 3, 2021