ShadowCam Installed Onboard KPLO Satellite

The ShadowCam instrument is carefully hoisted up before being transferred and mounted to the Korean Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter satellite at the Korean Aerospace Research Institute in Daejeon, Korea.
The ShadowCam instrument being lifted for mounting to the Korean Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter satellite at the Korean Aerospace Research Institute in Daejeon, Korea. Note the red cover at the top that protects the delicate radiator during installation (image courtesy KARI).

ShadowCam was successfully installed on the Korean Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO) at the Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) in Daejeon, Korea recently. After arriving in Korea last month, the camera was unboxed and inspected. The KARI team has been working diligently to ensure ShadowCam was received safely and installed securely onboard the satellite along with the other four instruments.

ShadowCam was carefully hoisted up and transferred to its mounting hardware and secured in its permanent seat onboard the KPLO satellite, ready for its incredible journey. The satellite and instruments are currently undergoing thermal and vacuum testing to ensure that everything works properly in the unique and harsh conditions similar to those they will experience during their remarkable voyage. Enjoy these images, courtesy of KARI, that documented the amazing process in detail and made us almost as nervous as they did excited!

An image of ShadowCam with special supports installed in order to safely hoist it up and transfer it to its mounting spot on the KPLO satellite.
ShadowCam with special supports that allow it to be safely hoisted up to its mounting point on the KPLO satellite (all images courtesy KARI).
Image of the KARI team stabilizing and inspecting ShadowCam as it's suspended from the hoist.
KARI engineers stabilize, document, and inspect a suspended ShadowCam as it is hoisted up during the transfer.
Image of KARI engineers preparing to guide ShadowCam into its mounting hardware on the KPLO satellite exterior.
KARI engineers prepare to guide ShadowCam into its mounting hardware (metal ring at center) on the KPLO satellite exterior. Yikes!
An image of KARI Engineers securing ShadowCam in place, marrying the instrument to its vessel.
KARI Engineers secure ShadowCam in its permanent seat aboard KPLO.
Image of ShadowCam after being mounted to the exterior of the KPLO satellite, ready for the next step.
Bolted in and ready to roll!
Image of the KPLO satellite being lifted off the floor by its mounting ring at KARI.
KPLO satellite being lifted off the floor by its mounting ring at KARI.

Check back often for future updates. For further reading, see ShadowCam Begins Long-Awaited Journey

Posted by Rick Hoppe on 15 October 2021