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.
As the GOCE launch campaign draws to a close, the Antonov aircraft left Arkangelsk Talagi Airport in Russia on 26 March 2009. The aircraft carried the GOCE launch campaign support equipment back to the Netherlands.
