ATTEN-SHUN … MTG-I1 has moved!

And so finally the moment came when the MTG-I1 standalone activities had been completed and it was time to move on to the hazardous propellant loading phase.

This point in any launch campaign is one of the most significant for the spacecraft as it essentially signals the point of no return since the consequences of having to off-load the propellant from a spacecraft that’s effectively ready for launch are the stuff of nightmares.

But before the propellant loading team could don their protective clothing and transfer the propellant from the drums into the tanks in the middle of the satellite, the satellite had to be moved and some formalities performed.

So far throughout the MTG-I1 launch campaign, the satellite has remained in the S5C North cleanroom at the CSG spaceport in Kourou for the standalone phase. It has also been orientated horizontally for the vast majority of this first phase whilst numerous tests have been carried out to confirm the flightworthiness of this most precious of satellites – all of which were performed both meticulously and successfully thanks to the excellent work of the ESA and Thales Alenia Space teams.

But a few days ago, the time came to move MTG-I1 from the Payload Processing Facility (PPF) to the Hazardous Processing Facility (HPF) where first the loading of the oxidiser and then the loading of the fuel would be performed.

MTG-I1 has what’s known as a liquid bipropellant chemical propulsion subsystem, which as the name implies uses two types of liquid (an oxidiser and a fuel) that, when mixed in the combustion chambers of the main engine and thrusters, spontaneously combust, and are ejected out of the nozzles to provide the force to move the satellite in space.

MTG-I1, now vertical and almost prepped for flight, hooked up to the tug ready to be moved from the PPF to the HPF. (Credits: ESA)

Of course, there are always the formalities to be followed too, therefore well before the transfer of the satellite into the HPF a series of checkpoints, inspections and formal reviews had begun to ensure that this transition from the end of the first phase and into the second went smoothly. For this, it was necessary to confirm the readiness of not only the satellite and the HPF but also that of the ground segment and the Ariane 5 launcher to ensure that all aspects involved with the launch of MTG-I1 were on track for the big day.

Thanks to the first-rate work performed by the teams from ESA, TAS, OHB, EUM, TPZ, AE and CNES all individual parts came together seamlessly to ensure that the final formal review to authorise the go-ahead of the propellant was a success. A massive achievement by all parties and those involved are too numerous to mention individually, so a big thank you to everyone who’s been a part of this momentous accomplishment!

And so, to the point of no return … once the MTG-I1 satellite and the oxidiser loading equipment and drums had been setup in the HPF, the hazardous activities could begin.

MTG-I1 on the propellant loading stand in the hazardous processing facility before the oxidiser loading activity. (Credits: ESA)

MTG-I1 in the hazardous processing facility with the oxidiser loading cart before filling. (Credits: ESA)

The necessary due care and attention was taken by all involved in the filling operations with all the mandatory safety equipment checked out and in place before starting the loading. As can be seen, it’s an extremely dangerous activity that requires extensive protective clothing, well-rehearsed procedures, and well-trained personnel with a lot of patience!

For MTG-I1, this activity takes a whole day for each propellant type, and that’s just for the actual loading activity since there are several days of preparation beforehand and decontamination activities afterwards that must also be performed. So, we have to give a special shout-out to the very well-trained and professional propulsion team for the successful propellant loading of the MTG-I1 satellite with exactly the right amount of propellant that will ensure the satellite stays in orbit where it’s supposed to be for its complete lifetime.

The TASF propulsion team in action loading the oxidiser into MTG-I1. (Credits: ESA/CNES/Arianespace)

Finally, it was time for the traditional propulsion party that allowed everyone to blow off steam after such a tense and critical operation …

Happy Propulsion Team. (Credits: ESA)

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and so it is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Natalia, thank you so much for everything you’ve done, a real breath of fresh air and bundle of energy – exactly what project team work is all about and essential at a launch campaign – you’ve been FANTASTIC!!

Also leaving us, but for only a short while, is Karolina without whom the inspections, cleanliness monitoring and various facility acceptance activities would not have taken place so smoothly and successfully – thank you, and we can’t wait to welcome you back again later in the campaign … enjoy your rest and family time!

However, life on a launch campaign is a bit like having a revolving door in the team, so as two people leave, two more arrive – hence a very big welcome to Maria and welcome back to our very own Duracell Bunny, whoo-hoo!

Martin’s favourite restaurant. (Credits: ESA)

For the MTG-I1 satellite, it’s now on to the third and final phase, the Combined Operations Phase, where it will be installed upon the Ariane 5 rocket and encapsulated before launch … but that’s a story for another day …

Post from: James Champion, ESA MTG Satellites Engineering & AITV Manager

Read more about the Meteosat Third Generation mission.