The Aeolus launch campaign team at Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, reports that the ‘functional tests’ has been done and that Aeolus is working well.

The satellite is held in a vertical position, allowing engineers to access the different components. They have tested the pressure of the propulsion tanks, piping, valves, filters and thrusters.

Vertical for testing. (ESA)

The most recent tests included working on the radiator. The photo shows one of the ‘quality engineers’ taking a very careful look here. He looks a bit like a surgeon!

Engineer or surgeon? (ESA)

Some tests are automated, such as checking the onboard software and making sure that the satellite receives commands.

So with everything going well, the next milestone will be the all-important reviews on this first part of the campaign, after which the focus will be mainly on fuelling the satellite.

Aeolus standing proud. (ESA)

Liftoff set for: 21 August at 21:20 GMT (23:20 CEST).

Read more about the Aeolus mission.