GOCE ready for launch



 
GOCE (Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer) is launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia by a modified Russian Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) SS-19 launcher called Rockot. The launch vehicle comprises the original two lower liquid propellant stages in conjunction with a dedicated third-stage called Breeze.

Launch tower
 
The launch tower at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia. The tower holds the Rockot launcher carrying ESA's gravity satellite GOCE ready to launch on Monday 16 March at 15:21 (CET) 14:21 (UT).

GOCE rehearsal countdown
 
ESA's Danilo Muzi, GOCE Project Manager (right) and Andrea Allasio, GOCE Project Manager for Thales Alenia Space, during launch rehearsal at Plesetsk, 13 March 2009.


 
Around three minutes after launch the two half shells of the fairing, which encapsulate the GOCE (Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer) satellite, are opened and released.



Release date: 16 March 2009