From Catherine (ESA), 7 November 2013
All three satellites have been now successfully mounted on the launch adapter.
The third Swarm satellite being moved to join the launch adapter. (ESA/M. Shafiq)
On Tuesday, Swarm FM3 followed the same path as Swarm SM2 from the trolley to the flight bracket template. The new flight brackets were mounted and the assembly of satellite and brackets was transferred to the adapter.
Third Swarm satellite moves closer to the adapter. (ESA/M. Shafiq)
The satellite was carefully lowered onto the adapter and bolted into position. The various steps involved are now well rehearsed and the experience of mounting the first and second satellites led to everything running very smoothly.
Three satellites on the adapter. (ESA/M. Shafiq)
On Wednesday, the umbilical connection to Swarm FM3 was established. This meant that the necessary electrical check could be completed. Astrium finalised the addition of multilayer insulation and removed a number of ‘red tag’ items.
We took the opportunity to have a team photograph with the three spacecraft. The Astrium team are wearing the white coats and ESA the blue ones.
Team infront of the Swarm constellation. (ESA/M. Shafiq)
The Russian military are still progressing on schedule with the launcher activities. The upper stage and payload fairing have been transferred to the launch pad to be mated with booster. They are undergoing functional tests and electrical checks.
The satellite assembly is now further protected by antistatic foils closing the gaps between the contiguous spacecraft to preserve the surface of the solar arrays.
Also, today it was confirmed that Swarm will be launched on 22 November!
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