ESA Portal - Expanding Frontiers - 17 - 30 August

Services

17 - 30 August

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The Antonov aircraft arrived with the Payload Module (PLM) and the Service Module (SVM) containers at Yubileiny airport.

Credits: ESA

30 August 2002

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Leak testing of the entire reaction control system: the Service Module (SVM) is pressurized with helium to 24 bars inside the container. Helium concentration is then monitored for 24 hours to detect any leak.

Credits: ESA

29 August 2002

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The Payload Module (PLM) in vertical position, ready to be lifted and mated on top of the Service Module (SVM).

Credits: ESA

24 August 2002

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The Integral Payload Module (PLM) container is unloaded from the rear of the Antonov using the aircraft's internal crane system.

Credits: ESA

23 August 2002

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All the rear doors of the Antonov are opened only a few minutes after landing and reveal the huge cargo space within the aircraft. Moments later, the Payload Module (PLM) container is ready for unloading using the aircraft's internal crane system. Metal strips are laid on the runway. They provide a smooth surface to roll the container towards the train, which will take it to the integration hall.

Credits: ESA

22 August 2002

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After transfer from Yubileiny airport, the Service Module container is unloaded from the train into building 92A-50, the main integration facility for spacecraft preparation for Proton launches.

Credits: ESA

17 August 2002

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The European-Russian team takes a break after reloading all the sea containers onto the train, after their unloading from the aircraft. The train will transport the equipment to the integration hall.

Credits: ESA

Last update: 11 October 2002

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