Two weeks before liftoff, Sentinel-2B is in position high up in the launch tower at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

In the tower (ESA–Manuel Pedoussaut)

On Saturday, the upper composite carrying the Sentinel-2B satellite was taken from the integration facility to the launch pad.

Transferring Sentinel-2B to the launcher assembly area (ESA–Manuel Pedoussaut)

It was then lifted up the gantry to the same level as the Vega’s AVUM upper-stage. Electrical connections were installed and the satellite was switched on: all worked well. It was then connected – or ‘mated’ – with the upper stage.

Mating of the upper composite to the launcher (ESA–Manuel Pedoussaut)

On Sunday the satellite successfully underwent functional tests.