minigallery: GOCE launch diary gallery
Complementing the GOCE launch diary, this image gallery provides a glimpse into the range of activities that are being carried out to prepare the satellite for launch. The photos show the satellite being shipped from ESA's facilities in the Netherlands to the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, the campaign in the autumn of 2008 and activities gearing up for launch on 17 March 2009. The most recent pictures feature first.
- GOCE launch diary
- Entry 1: GOCE prepares for shipment to Russia
- Entry 2: GOCE begins its journey to launch site
- Entry 3: GOCE arrives safely at launch site in Russia
- Entry 4: GOCE unpacked and alignment check complete
- Entry 5: GOCE checked for gas leaks
- Entry 6: Launch team reaches full strength
- Entry 7: Gradiometer checked and launcher rolled out for testing
- Entry 8: GOCE satellite joins Breeze
- Entry 9: Last-ever look at GOCE
- Entry 10: GOCE on the launch pad
