From Catherine (ESA), 5 November 2013
On Saturday 2 November, the second Swarm satellite, FM2, was lifted from the trolley and transferred to the launch adapter.
Preparing to move the second Swarm satellite to the launch adapter. (ESA/M. Shafiq)
The process was a bit more complicated than for the first satellite. This is because FM2 had to be carefully manoeuvred around the first spacecraft which is already mounted on the adapter.
The second Swarm satellite being carefully transferred to the launch adapter. (ESA/M. Shafiq)
Everybody watched very closely as the second satellite neared its final position on the adapter. The distance between FM1 and FM2 is less than 15cm at the base between the solar arrays, and frighteningly close at the top between the harness bundles of the boom hinges.
By using millimetre manoeuvres, the satellite was carefully lowered onto the adapter and bolted into position.
The second Swarm satellite being carefully positioned on the launch adapter. (ESA/M. Shafiq)
By the end of the day, the satellite was secured in its final position on the adapter.
On Monday, the umbilical connection to the FM2 was established. This meant that the necessary electrical checks could be completed.
Two Swarm satellites on the launch adapter. (ESA/M. Shafiq)
Astrium proceeded with finalising the multilayer installation, which is only possible when the spacecraft is sitting on the adapter.
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