While we wait for news about a new launch date, we have started to prepare our satellite for a ‘power nap’. This involves removing the battery arming plugs and discharging the battery by 50%, which will help to prolong its life.
We are also putting the ground support equipment in a safe and dormant state, including moving some of the mechanical ground support equipment and one of the hydrazine fuelling drums from the fuelling platform to the cleanroom floor.
Sentinel-3A takes a nap. (ESA)
The launch delay also means that we are busy replanning travel etc for all the teams involved.
We should get confirmation of a new launch date early next week.
For information about our Sentinel-3 mission visit www.esa.int/sentinel-3.
From the ESA Sentinel-3A team at the Plesetsk cosmodrome in Russia.
Discussion: 2 comments
In the Cal/Val calendar, a tentative date has been set (16.02)… is it just a guess? A real possibility?
We are eager to see S3 fly! 🙂
Confirmation of a new launch date should come early next week, but they are currently looking at a launch window between 16-20 February.