Encapsulation of the MSG satellite went ahead as planned on 27 June.

MSG-3 encapsulation

This means that the configuration of the launcher is now complete with MSG and its co-passenger, EchoStar, inside the rocket’s faring.

EchoStar is in upper position in the fairing and MSG below.

With this new milestone complete, the final steps before launch on 5 July will include functional tests, launch rehearsal, readiness review and rollout to the launch pad.

MSG-3 now encapsulated in the Ariane 5 fairing