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    ESA > Our Activities > Observing the Earth > SMOS

    Entry 1: SMOS launch campaign begins

    SMOS team members
    SMOS team members

    11 September 2009 - The SMOS launch campaign has begun with an inspection of the facilities in Russia – both at Arkhangelsk, where the satellite and support equipment will arrive by Antonov aircraft, and the integration facilities at the Plesetsk launch site.

    The team was in Russia last week to ensure that the infrastructure – from computer networks down to furniture – is all in place before the facilities are accepted as ready to receive the SMOS satellite.

    Last inspection at Thales Alenia Space
    Last inspection at Thales Alenia Space

    The satellite is currently undergoing final inspection before being packed up for transit from Thales Alenia Space’s facilities in the south of France. Along with other containers carrying support equipment, it will be shipped late in the evening of 15 September by air from Nice to Arkhangelsk in northern Russia. After arriving early on 16 September the satellite and supporting equipment will continue their journey by rail to the launch site.

    SMOS is scheduled for launch on 2 November at 02.50 CET.

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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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