Opal Weekly Update -- July 2, 1999

1. Opal was successfully attached to the multi payload adapter (MPA)!  This was done last week on Monday, June 22.  Prof. Twiggs was there as well as a camera crew from SITN.  Prof. Twiggs is coordinating a documentary on the Opal project.  
2. Weber has put a camera in the clean room.  Check out http://cast.weber.edu/jw/ for the latest picture of JAWSAT and the payloads.  Last time I checked, Opal was right there in front.
3. The picosatellite doors were locked down on Monday, June 28.  The arming plug was also attached.  Unfortunately, the plugs were mislabeled and the wrong one was attached.  Weber will be attaching the correct plug in the next week or two.
4. The MPA assembly is is 12 lbs overweight.  Opal is responsible for 6 of those pounds.  Weight reduction scenarios are under discussion at Weber.   Hopefully this will not impact Opal.
5. A preship review PIWG is scheduled for July 29 at Weber.  Final checkout after MPA acceptance testing will also be performed.
6. Expected launch is September 15, 1999.