Patty Minnehan, Astrophysics at LASP, Week 2

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My second week at LASP was exciting and eventful. This week consisted of more work on the fiber optic in an attempt to view UV light, working in the clean room, cleaning of other rocket parts, work on a black box to support another interns camera project, and finally my arrival in Japan. I am learning so much new information everyday.

On Monday we once again experimented with the fiber in order for it to carry the UV light( figure 2 ). We did this by putting it in Waterloo(the vacuum) and bringing it down several times, adjusting the stage its held on based on computer readings, and we even had to clean and shave a new fiber. My work was shifted for the next several days to helping another intern build a box to keep a camera at very dark conditions( figure 3 ). In order to do this we screwed in place several beams and then paper or platforms on top of them. These were followed by electrical tape in any holes  that allowed light through and finally a large canvas draped on top the entire thing. During Wednesday in between my time helping with the black box, I assisted in the calibration of the mirrors for the telescope for the SPRITE CubeSat in the cleanroom( figure 1 ). In order for the satellite to function properly in space it must be kept in a completely sterile environment. Thus I gowned up in a hairnet, frock, booties, mask, two layers of gloves, and even eyeglasses for protection from the light being shot to calibrate the mirror when needed.

Additionally, I have spent all week preparing for my trip to Yokohama, Japan for the SPIE conference alongside my coworkers. Many of them will be giving talks about the various projects they are currently working on alongside hundreds of other scientist in the same fields. This conference will take place all of next week. After arriving in Tokyo, I took a train to my hotel( featured image) where I checked in and went to bed. I can’t wait to update y’all about the SPIE conference.

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