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| | | | | | | | | GOCE on the launch pad | |
Entry 10: GOCE on the launch pad
5 September 2008 – With lift-off less than a week away, the campaign to launch ESA's gravity satellite is rapidly moving ahead. The Rockot launch vehicle carrying GOCE has already been erected on the launch pad.
On 3 September the Upper Composite, which includes the Breeze-KM Upper Stage and GOCE satellite encased in the fairing, was covered with thermal blankets and transferred to the launch pad by rail. There the Upper Composite was lifted into the service tower at the launch pad to join the rest of the launch vehicle.
Yesterday the rocket underwent some electrical testing and today a dress-rehearsal of the countdown procedure is being carried out. This rehearsal is vital to check that the timing is right for launch on 10 September and to confirm that all lines of communication are operational.
| | | Close-up of the Rockot fairing |
The few remaining activities include the last electrical tests on Saturday and on Monday the Booster Unit will be fuelled. On Tuesday, the Russian State Commission will give the green light for the launch.
GOCE will be launched on a modified Russian Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) SS-19 launcher. The adaptation of the SS-19, called 'Rockot' uses the original two lower liquid propellant stages of the ICBM in conjunction with the Breeze Upper Stage.
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| | 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 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 21: On the launch padEntry 22: Launch rehearsedEntry 23: GOCE launched and in orbitEntry 24: Going homeIn depth PlesetskRelated links EurockotThales Alenia Space
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