Launch diary Integration of MetOp upper-composite and third-stage complete   Upper-composite and third-stage being coupled     13 October 2006   In preparation for the roll out to the launch pad at the weekend, the MetOp upper-composite has been successfully integrated to the third stage of the Soyuz launcher. The ensemble is currently undergoing final checks before being transported and erected at the launch pad.   Following its arrival at the MIK 40 Soyuz launch integration facility, the upper-composite was carefully lifted off the train and moved into position so that it could be mechanically coupled to the third-stage of the rocket. The procedure went according to plan and the ensemble is now being prepared for its short journey to the launch pad where it will be positioned in the launch tower.     The launch of Europe's first polar-orbiting weather satellite is still set for Tuesday 17 October at 18:38 CEST.     Launch diary  •  MetOp launch status (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMTNI8A9HE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  Europe's first polar-orbiting weather satellite ready for launch (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM7UVN7BTE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  Safe arrival at the launch facility for MetOp (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEM5RJV74TE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  MetOp encapsulated in fairing (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMXMFLKKSE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  MetOp integrated with Fregat upper-stage (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMWACVHESE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  MetOp launch campaign resumed (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMFZD8LURE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  MetOp to be launched in October (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMFM0JZBQE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  Launch of MetOp-A postponed (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMPPYAUQPE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  MetOp ready for launch (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMEXZDQMPE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  Upper-composite transferred to launcher integration facility (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMBFLWALPE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  Last-ever look at MetOp (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMXEHA6CPE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  MetOp joins Fregat upper-stage (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMZOGIO9PE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  MetOp fuelled and pressurised (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMDZRVT0PE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  MetOp-A gets green light for 17 July launch date (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMOGREFWOE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  MetOp – last phase of testing before launch (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMG70L8IOE_LPmetop_0.html)  •  MetOp satellite shipped to Baikonur on 18 April (http://www.esa.int/esaLP/SEMIV1OFGLE_LPmetop_0.html) In depth  •  Soyuz launch vehicle (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ESA_Permanent_Mission_in_Russia/SEMAM1X4QWD_0.html)  •  Baikonur (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ESA_Permanent_Mission_in_Russia/SEMRSA1XDYD_0.html) Related links  •  EUMETSAT (http://www.eumetsat.int)  •  EADS-Astrium (http://www.space.eads.net/)  •  Starsem (http://www.starsem.com)  •  NOAA (http://www.noaa.gov)  •  CNES (http://www.cnes.fr/html/_455_.php)