Another milestone has been reached in the campaign to prepare MSG-3 for launch: the satellite has been joined to the launch adapter.

Releasing MSG-3 from the fuel stand. The launch adapter can be seen in the background. (credits: ESA/C. Soulez-Lariviere)

The MSG-3 satellite was taken off the fuel stand and mated to the launch adapter on Friday 22 June. Since the satellite is now fully fuelled, this a rather hazardous operation.

Between fuelling stand and launch adapter. (credits: ESA/C. Soulez-Lariviere)

 The first step was to unclamped the satellite from the stand that supported it during fuelling. Attached to a crane, the satellite was then lifted slightly and slowly moved across the room to line up with the launch adapter.

Nearing the launch adapter. (credits: ESA/C. Soulez-Lariviere)

The satellite was then lowered very carefully onto the adapter and then securely clamped.

MSG-3 joins launch adapter. (credits: ESA/C. Soulez-Lariviere)