Following the arrival of Anna and Ellen, our four Galileo FOC* satellites are now all in Kourou (French-Guyana), where an international team of OHB experts will be preparing them for their journey into space. The logistics of these activities have been planned right down to the very last detail. Each satellite will be undergoing extensive testing at the site. Our picture story of the launch campaign shows that things can get pretty hectic during the countdown and why a mosquito can rob you of your last nerve.
Next step: The flight software is uploaded.
This is followed by the short functional tests to retest all of the satellite functions. This is a very long and involved procedure taking two days in shifts.
Final check of certain satellite settings and final deactivation of the satellite. The satellite is completely deactivated for all other activities. It does not reactivate itself again until it is in orbit.
The following block is then performed on all four satellites:
Mechanical activities, e.g. installation of final connectors to activate various parts of the satellite.
While all this is going on, the launcher is readied
The launcher is assembled in Kourou at the same time as the activities are being performed on the satellites. This is described in an interesting documentation on N24 which was produced during the launch before last.
The upper stage of the launcher is now fueled and activated.
This is followed in the ensuing days by a number of tours of the building, in which some OHB employees have already been able to take part. A lift takes you twelve floors up to a platform adjacent to the fairing at a height of around 45 meters. There is also a very impressive access route from the launch pad past the engines, the booster and the main engines. During the last campaign, some OHB employees were given an opportunity of signing the Galileo logo.
Step 2 of the launch readiness review (LRR) is completed around one week before the launch date. This involves all relevant parties (OHB, ESA, CNES, Arianespace), who report on the status of the various elements (satellites, launcher, ground segment, etc.). Only if all elements are in full working order is the launcher released for transfer to the launch pad.
Around three days before the launch date, the launching base holding the finished Ariane 5 is moved to the launch pad. It is pulled by a truck (total weight of around 2,000 tons). This is all done very, very slowly. Spectators can view the procedure from a special platform.
The launcher is now at the launch pad. It is illuminated at night, turning into a very impressive giant.
Please also note our press releases on Galileo:
Anna and Ellen on their way to space
Tara and Samuels long journey into space
*The Full Operational Capability phase of the Galileo programme is managed and fully funded by the European Union. The Commission and ESA have signed a delegation agreement by which ESA acts as design and procurement agent on behalf of the Commission. The views expressed here can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union and/or ESA. “Galileo” is a trademark subject to OHIM application number 002742237 by EU and ESA.