During the last 24 hours the on-board load (P13) continued operation and included a coordinated observation of Capella with the Hubble Space Telescope, EUVE, BeppoSAX and the Very Large Array (VLA).
The procedure to re-insert the Low Energy Grating was completed successfully and initial assessment is that a software timing correction is needed to ensure the Mechanism Control Electronics (MCE) is turned off after retraction. The MCE was turned off manually following a grating retraction after the Capella observation.
Assessment and analysis of the ACIS front-side energy resolution degradation continued. The next test with ACIS is to perform a bakeout of the instrument and raise the focal plane to 25 degrees C. This procedure was started at 4.30AM 9/13 and is planned to take 24 hours. The load was stopped in preparation for the procedure and the remaining HRC calibration observations re-planned for a later mission schedule. The bakeout sequence is proceeding nominally.
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