With the new launch date now set for 23 June at 01:52 GMT (03:52 CEST 23 June; 22:52 local time 22 June), preparations to ready the satellite for liftoff are in full swing at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou.

Sentinel-2A being lowered onto the launch adapter. (ESA/M. Pédoussaut)

Sentinel-2A being lowered onto the launch adapter. (ESA/M. Pédoussaut)

The careful task of fuelling the satellite took place last week and it has now been mated with the launch adapter in readiness for encapsulation in the Vega rocket fairing.

Carefully aligning the satellite to the adapter. (ESA/M. Pédoussaut)

Carefully aligning the satellite to the adapter. (ESA/M. Pédoussaut)

As the launch date nears, more of team members from ESA are arriving for the final phase of the campaign to launch Sentinel-2A into orbit around Earth.

Job well-done. (ESA/M. Pédoussaut)

Job well-done. (ESA/M. Pédoussaut)

Carrying a novel multispectral imager, this new mission for Europe’s Copernicus programme is set to give us a new perspective of our land and vegetation.

Sentinel-2A standing proud on the Vega launch adapter. (ESA/M. Pédoussaut)

Sentinel-2A standing proud on the Vega launch adapter. (ESA/M. Pédoussaut)

Post from: Claudia Wildner (ESA)