First Swarm satellite on the launch adapter

From Catherine (ESA), 1 November 2013

Although the launch has been delayed for a few days, preparations to prepare for liftoff continue, albeit a little more slowly.

Swarm on the move. (ESA/M. Shafiq)

As planned, the three satellites had been moved to the back of the hall and stowed vertically waiting to be fitted to the launch adapter. This is a tailor-made dispenser that allows the three satellites to separate simultaneously from the upper stage of the Rockot launcher. During launch the three satellites stand upright with only centimetres between them.

First Swarm satellite being moved to the launch adapter. (ESA/M. Shafiq)

The adapter service stand was brought into the hall, placed in front of the satellites and with careful measurements the stand was levelled. The adapter was then mounted on the stand and prepared for the attachment of the first satellite.

Careful manoeuvring to position over the adapter. (ESA/M. Shafiq)

All the pieces were correctly in place and everything was running smoothly as planned. Then, the launch delay was announced. Activities for preparing the launcher had to be rescheduled and this consequently affected the work already planned for mounting the satellites on the adapter.

It was agreed by all parties that the schedule for mounting the satellites on the adapter should be adjusted. Instead of mounting one satellite per day and completing all activities for each satellite on the same day, we could resume normal working hours and take two days for each satellite.

Precision manoeuvres. (ESA/M. Shafiq)

The upside is that we don’t have to work on Sunday!  Anyway, the new schedule started yesterday and we started working on satellite FM1.

With use of a crane, the satellite FM1 was lifted from the mechanical ground support equipment and slowly guided to the template where new flight brackets were already installed. The brackets used to hold the satellite on the ground support equipment during integration of the satellites are not the ones used in flight and therefore needed to be replaced.

Bolting the first satellite to the launch adapter. (ESA/M. Shafiq)

The satellite was attached to the new brackets and the satellite and bracket assembly was slowly transferred the adapter. The satellite was then very carefully lowered onto the adapter and bolted into position. The electrical connections on the satellite were established and checked.

First Swarm in position on the launch adapter. (ESA/M. Shafiq)

Everyone working around the satellite has to wear masks to protect the spacecraft from any organic contamination.

By the end of yesterday the first satellite was in its final position on the adapter!