As previously reported, the satellite checkout went according to plan with the only real issues relating to test harnesses and the Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE). After fueling the satellite with  about 2 tonnes of bipropellant, the satellite was moved from the S5 integration facility to the Final Launcher Integration Facility (BAF).

To protect the satellite during this journey, MTG-I1 was mounted inside the fully air conditioned Container Charge Utile (CCU), which was then slowly driven for 9 km to the BAF.

On arrival, the CCU was docked to the airlock of the BAF and once the environmental conditions were stabilised in the clean room, the CCU was opened and the satellite was rolled out for the last steps before mounting onto the Ariane 5 launch vehicle. On completion of these checks, and just 8 days before the scheduled launch on 13 December, the day of mating to the launcher has arrived.

Preparing MTG-I1 for mating (credits: ESA/CNES/Arianespace)

For this, MTG-I1 was lifted around 80 m into the air and lowered onto the top of the Ariane 5, ready for final payload integration. This delicate task was executed with high precision by the CSG team and completed without a hitch.

MTG-I1 being hoisted for encapsulation (credits: ESA – M. Pédoussaut)

Once on top of the launcher stack, the clamp band that holds the satellite to the rocket was assembled and tensioned to around 40 KN, to ensure it stays attached in the ‘dynamic ride’ during the launch. When the time comes to separate from the launcher, this clamp band is released by firing the release pyros.

MTG-I1 almost ready for encapsulation (credits: ESA – M. Pédoussaut)

After the mechanical integration and verification of all electrical umbilical interfaces, Thales Alenia Space switched the satellite on from the remote LBC control room, with success and relief of all of us, especially the two programme managers.

In the early hours of the following day, it was time for the last ‘red tag’ items, which have protected the delicate elements around the satellite during the integration activities, were removed and the MTG-I1 satellite was declared ready for launch.

MTG-I1 on the launcher (credits: ESA)

In parallel with these activities, our co- passengers, the Intelsat Galaxy 35 and 36 spacecraft, which had  arrived in the BAF a couple of days before MTG-I1, were mounted on top of the ‘Sylda’ and the fairing was assembled.

This whole assembly, which weighs around 7 tonnes, was then lifted 80 m to the top of the BAF, lowered with extreme precision over MTG-I1 and bolted to the top of the launcher stack to complete the assembly of the Ariane 5 rocket. This launcher configuration will be the tallest and heaviest ever undertaken by Arianespace into geostationary transfer orbit.

Ariane 5 fairing lowered over MTG-I1 (credits: ESA/CNES/Arianespace)

From a personal perspective the last couple of days have brought mixed emotions for the team, ranging from the excitement of the forthcoming launch, and pride in what has been achieved over the last 12 years to bring us to this point, to almost sadness, to be saying goodbye to the MTG-I1 satellite.

MTG-I1 sticker on rocket fairing (credits: ESA – M. Pédoussaut)

One tradition, which was highly appreciated by all of us, was the opportunity to sign the fairing the night before the final lift. This was a very profound moment for all of us and some of the messages to loved ones were very touching. Personally I had the opportunity not only to write my name and initials of my wife and kids, but also to add ‘RIP Pete S’, in memory of my brother-in-law, who sadly died from Covid during my stay in Kourou…as I said it was a day of very mixed emotions.

MTG-I1 team after signing the sticker (credits: ESA)

Looking ahead to the next days before launch, an important milestone is planned for Thursday (L-4). This is the day of the dry run of the countdown activities, where both MTG-I1 and the Galaxy satellites will be switched to launch configuration and the launcher countdown timeline will be exercised. This activity will take most of the day, but it is an essential step to make sure we are as ready as we can be for the real launch day.

Whilst we have been busy in Kourou,  a big shout out should go to our Operations and Project Support Team back in Europe, who  have ensured that once the rocket has done its job we are ready to take control of the satellite and ensure a safe transition through the 11 days of the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP). Last minute information is that also the LEOP team and all systems in Fucino, Italy and Darmstadt, Germany are GO for launch, with the successful completion LEOP Service Readiness Review. Congratulations to Angela and all her team for the enormous effort they have done to reach this point.

With the launch date coming closer and closer, the suspense, and tension, is rising at all sites with the realisation of what we are about to be part of.

Stay tuned to the MTG-I1 blog: there will be more activities and more interesting pictures to share.

Fairing sticker signed (credits: ESA)

(The ESA Launch Campaign Team at D-6 comprises P. Blythe, J. Champion, F. Cainero, M. Peccia, K. Buyuk, S. Zimmermann, M. Brestanska, R. Carli and IT sultan M. Shafiq).

Post from: Paul Blythe, MTG Programme Manager, and Raffaello Carli, Launch campaign AIT manager.

Read more about the Meteosat Third Generation mission.