Complementing the GOCE launch diary, this image gallery provides a glimpse into the range of activities that are being carried out to prepare the satellite for launch. The photos show the satellite being shipped from ESA's facilities in the Netherlands to the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, the campaign in the autumn of 2008 and activities gearing up for launch on 17 March 2009. The most recent pictures feature first.
GOCE was off-loaded from the Antonov aircraft at Arkhangelsk, Russia and transported by truck to a special train, which completed the journey to the Plesetsk Cosmodrome 200 km away.
