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| | | | | | | | | Transfer of GOCE to launch tower | |
Entry 21: On the launch pad
11 March 2009 – With five days to go before launch (L-5) and in cold snowy conditions, the GOCE Upper Composite has been successfully transferred by rail to the launch pad and lifted into the service tower.
The Upper Composite – which comprises the GOCE satellite and Upper Stage of the launcher encapsulated in the protective fairing was initially installed in the service tower and then hoisted to the seventh floor. After some preparatory work had been completed, the Upper Composite was lowered onto the launch vehicle already erected.
| | | Fabio Panin and Stefano Capitanio |
The operation was witnessed by the members of the GOCE Launch Campaign team. Having a little fun now they see their beloved spacecraft safely installed in the tower, the team took advantage of the wintery conditions to hold a funny hat contest – which was won by Fabio Panin (who has been providing regular updates for this diary) and Launch Campaign Manager Stefano Capitanio!
| | Launch campaign team at the launch pad | |
The next step in the campaign will be to carry out some more testing and fuelling prior to launch next Monday at 15:21 CET (14:21 GMT, 17:21 local time).
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| | GOCE video diary  Back in PlesetskFirst day activitiesGOCE out of storageGOCE joins breezeGOCE sealed in fairing Diary in pictures GOCE launch diary Entry 1: GOCE prepares for shipment to RussiaEntry 2: GOCE begins its journey to launch siteEntry 3: GOCE arrives safely at launch site in RussiaEntry 4: GOCE unpacked and alignment check completeEntry 5: GOCE checked for gas leaksEntry 6: Launch team reaches full strengthEntry 7: Gradiometer checked and launcher rolled out for testingEntry 8: GOCE satellite joins BreezeEntry 9: Last-ever look at GOCEEntry 10: GOCE on the launch padEntry 11: Launch of GOCE delayedEntry 12: Satellite activities resume 24 SeptemberEntry 13: GOCE team gearing up for new launch dateEntry 14: GOCE launch postponedEntry 15: March launch planned for GOCEEntry 16: Team make ready to wake up GOCEEntry 17: GOCE revealed as container openedEntry 18: A busy weekEntry 19: GOCE meets launcher Upper StageEntry 20: EncapsulationEntry 22: Launch rehearsedEntry 23: GOCE launched and in orbitEntry 24: Going homeIn depth PlesetskRelated links EurockotThales Alenia Space
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