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    ESA > Our Activities > Observing the Earth > SMOS

    Entry 12: Ready for launch!

    SMOS and Proba-2 get go-ahead to launch

    30 October 2009 – The Russian State Commission has given the go-ahead to fuel the Rockot launcher that will take SMOS and Proba-2 into orbit. This formal authorisation confirms that launch can take place, as planned, on 2 November at 02:50 CET (01:50 UT).

    A formal review with the Russian State Commission was held today, where representatives of the various organisations involved were asked to report on the status of their activities.

    In his statement to the State Commission, ESA’s Project Manager for SMOS, Achim Hahne said, "I herewith can report that the SMOS and Proba-2 spacecrafts are fully tested, fuelled, and prepared for launch. I therefore ask the honourable gentlemen of the State Commission to authorise the fuelling of the launcher and conduct the final launch preparations. I would like to express my gratitude for the professional support we have experienced from all involved entities: the Russian Space Forces, Krunichev, and Eurockot."

    Upper composite in launch tower
    Upper composite in launch tower

    The State Commission’s confirmation of readiness to fuel marks one of the last important milestones on the road to launch SMOS and Proba-2. Both satellites have been several years in the making and, with launch now confirmed, their missions to advance science and technology will soon begin.

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    • Looking forward to launch
      Looking forward to launch
      Diary in pictures
    • SMOS launch diary
      • Entry 1: SMOS launch campaign begins
        • Entry 2: SMOS arrives safely at Plesetsk
          • Entry 3: SMOS unpacked and checked out
            • Entry 4: Green light to fuel
              • Entry 5: SMOS fuelled
                • Entry 6: SMOS joins rocket adapter
                  • Entry 7: SMOS mated to launcher upper stage
                    • Entry 8: SMOS encapsulated in fairing
                      • Entry 9: Fairing logo signed
                        • Entry 10: SMOS in the launch tower
                          • Entry 11: Launch countdown rehearsed
                            • Entry 12: Ready for launch!
                              • Entry 13: Launch milestones
                              • In depth
                              • Proba missions
                                • Plesetsk
                                • Related links
                                • Eurockot
                                • Thales Alenia Space

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