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GOCE positioned for alignment check
GOCE positioned for alignment check
Entry 4: GOCE unpacked and alignment check complete
 
7 August 2008 – Since its arrival at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, the GOCE satellite has been unpacked, undergone a number of manoeuvres to position the 5-metre long spacecraft onto a so-called 'rotary trolley' and had the alignment of several components checked. All of which have been carried out successfully.
 
The alignment checks on the Ion Thruster Assembly, Star Trackers and Gradiometer outside mirror all showed the same values as those taken at ESA's test facilities in the Netherlands before shipment – confirming that nothing has been disturbed during the journey to Russia.  
 
In addition, the Electrical Ground Support Equipment, which is essential for carrying out further testing over the next weeks, is now up and running. The next step is to move the satellite onto a multipurpose trolley and carry out a series of electrical tests. In parallel, the 'Launch Power Supply' and the 'Telemetry Rack' will be transported and installed at the launch pad.
 
 
Needless to say, with the launch campaign going well team spirits are high!
 
 
 


Diary in picturesSolar cell inspection
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 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 10: GOCE on the launch padEntry 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 home
In depth
Plesetsk
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