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GOCE launch diary gallery

ESA / Applications / Observing the Earth / FutureEO / GOCE

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.

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Diary in pictures

GOCE in ESA's test facilities

Entry 1: GOCE prepares for shipment to Russia

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GOCE

Entry 2: GOCE begins its journey to launch site

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Safe arrival for GOCE at Arkhangelsk

Entry 3: GOCE arrives safely at launch site in Russia

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GOCE positioned for alignment check

Entry 4: GOCE unpacked and alignment check complete

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Into container to check for gas leaks

Entry 5: GOCE checked for gas leaks

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Manoeuvring GOCE in the cleanroom

Entry 6: Launch team reaches full strength

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Roll out of Upper Composite

Entry 7: Gradiometer checked and launcher rolled out for te…

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GOCE joining Breeze

Entry 8: GOCE satellite joins Breeze

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Last look at GOCE

Entry 9: Last-ever look at GOCE

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GOCE on the launch pad

Entry 10: GOCE on the launch pad

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GOCE positioned for alignment check

Entry 11: Launch of GOCE delayed

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GOCE before joining the adaptor

Entry 12: Satellite activities resume 24 September

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Fairing with logos

Entry 13: GOCE team gearing up for new launch date

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Manoeuvring GOCE in the cleanroom

Entry 14: GOCE launch postponed

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GOCE in Plesetsk

Entry 15: March launch planned for GOCE

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GOCE container

Entry 16: Team make ready to wake up GOCE

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Entry 17: GOCE revealed as container opened

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Activating the ion propulsion valves

Entry 18: A busy week

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GOCE mated to the Breeze Upper Stage

Entry 19: GOCE meets launcher Upper Stage

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Last inspection before fairing closes

Entry 20: Encapsulation

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Transfer of GOCE to launch tower

Entry 21: On the launch pad

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ESA and industrial team members during GOCE countdown rehearsal, Plesetsk, 13 March 2009

Entry 22: Launch rehearsed

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GOCE liftoff

Entry 23: GOCE launched and in orbit

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Cleanroom used for storage

Entry 24: Going home

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Plesetsk Cosmodrome

Plesetsk

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Eurockot

Thales Alenia Space