Sentinel-2C switched on and tested for fit

Following Sentinel-2C’s arrival at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana and the satellite being removed from its transport container, the launch campaign team has switched it on and made sure that it will fit the Vega rocket ‘launch adapter’.

With Sentinel-2C out of its container, one of the first jobs was to do a thorough inspection and make sure it was absolutely clean after its voyage to Kourou. Then, the satellite could be switched ON for the first time since leaving Europe.

Checking for cleanliness. (ESA)

Sentinel-2C powered up beautifully so with that job ticked off the list, the team could head out and enjoy themselves during the weekend.

Venturing out into the forest. (ESA)

Fun on the river. (ESA)

Then back to the ‘office’, the week got underway with the Airbus and Arianespace teams working together to rehearse mating the satellite to the launch adapter.

This is a rehearsal of the real mating procedure when the satellite is fitted to the launcher adapter eight days before liftoff.

The rehearsal, which went well, allows the compatibility of mechanical and electrical interfaces to be verified in advance – ensuring that there will not be any technical issues or delays on the day of the final mating.

Sentinel-2C being hoisted for the fit check. (ESA-CNES-ARIANESPACE/Optique vidéo du CSG–T. Leduc)

Sentinel-2 over the launch adapter. (ESA-CNES-ARIANESPACE/Optique vidéo du CSG–T. Leduc)

Checking the fit. (ESA-CNES-ARIANESPACE/Optique vidéo du CSG–T. Leduc)

Sentinel-2C launch campaign group photo. (ESA-CNES-ARIANESPACE/Optique vidéo du CSG–T. Leduc)

Read more about the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.