Launcher moves from BIL to BAF
Final preparations are being made to the Ariane-5 launcher that will release SMART-1 into space, to start its journey to the moon. The Flight 162 launcher was taken yesterday from the BIL (Bâtiment d'Intégration Lanceur) to the BAF (Bâtiment d'Intégration Finale), where the upper part of the launcher will be assembled
The lower part of the launcher comprises the cryogenic main core stage (with the vulcain main engine, oxygen and hydrogen tanks), two solid rocket boosters and the upper stage, including the vehicle equipment bay where the SMART-1 adapter will be installed.
Upcoming Milestones
| 14 August | Simulation of the 4th Orbit (ESOC) |
| 18 August | SMART-1 and adapter mated on the launcher |
| 19 August |
cylinder stack mounted on the launcher around SMART-1 |
| 21 August | e-Bird mated to the launcher |
| 25 August | Fairing integration with INSAT |
| 27 August | Upper composite completed to launcher |
| 28 August | Launch vehicle filling |
| 29 August | Dress Rehearsal |
| 1 September | Launch readiness review 1/9 |
| 2 September | Launcher moved to launch pad |
| 3 September | at 23:04 GMT launch of V162 (A516) |
