It's been another sunny day here in California. We got as fas as setting up the groundstation and battery reconditioning set-up in the cleanroom (see photo) and sorting out admin in our office space (see photo). Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in America and we luckily got invited for dinner by Herb Bolton, the NASA safety manager that's overseeing procedures here at the integration site. So we're very much looking forward to a proper cooked meal after Burger King, Carl's Jr, Tacho's, IHOP and McDonalds morning, day and night! But soon our own cooking skills will be put to the test as we have finally gone shopping today (see photo).
Last night we also spent the first night in our new apartment (which will be home for the next couple of weeks) alas without electricity. So it was a rather cold night with no hot water. Today also saw the arriving of Orsted with all their stuff but we're eagerly waiting to see their satellite which is still in its box (rather dull looking, I must add, compared to ours!).
The weather here is much better than we expected: misty mornings, sunny days and cold nights. For those of you that are planning to come over for the launch, bring enough warm clothes and money - lots of it! Prices are VERY stiff here - only petrol is cheap but unfortunately one cannot drink that!
I attach some pics of the activities and surroundings taken today with Prof. Dup's new Malaysian super digital camera. I've reduced the quality to limit the file size.
1. Dirk & Niki in front of the apartment with our massive Weber braai. |
2. NASA building 836 - the integration fascilities - taken from our Chevy rental. |
3. Some very busy engineers (me, Dirk & Prof. Milne) in our office space overlooking the Vandenberg hills. |
4. Niki outside the integration building (lovely day!) |
5. Niki in the integration room looking very professional and clean (the room I mean - nobody had a shower this morning!!) |
6. A closeup of the battery reconditioning assembly. |
7. Us loading some very expensive food into the shopping trolley! |