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GOCE ready for launch

16 March 2009

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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.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

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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).

Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja, 2009

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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.

Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja, 2009

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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.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

GOCE launch

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