The pictures below show the Vega fairing that encases the Sentinel-2A satellite on its way to the launch zone and being lifted up the gantry. Enjoy!
On the road to launch. (ESA–M. Pedoussaut)
Sentinel-2 arrives in the launch gantry. Being lifed up the Vega gantry. (ESA–M. Pedoussaut)
Gentle lift. (ESA–M. Pedoussaut)
Rising high. (ESA–M. Pedoussaut)
Waiting in position. (ESA–M. Pedoussaut)
Discussion: 2 comments
We just organized this morning a last S2 project team “kiss-kiss-bye-bye” contact between CSG and ESTEC. Next interactions will be much more formal and likely on the voice loop during the dress rehearsal.
Currently, much focus is made on launch, launcher, launch campaign and this is understandable. However the launch is a commodity, a service to get our first spacecraft safely in orbit. Following separation, the Sentinel-2 team spread over ESOC, ESRIN and ESTEC (and CNES supporting the project) will see the spotlights being shed on them. Why? because our most noble goal is to deliver the best mission to our Users. This is what counts and we will be judged on this.
So to our Sentinel-2 team in Europe: good luck!
Francois Spoto (S2 project manager)
Good luck (Merde!) to all the Sentinel-2 team in Europe.