The upper-composite, safely containing the Sentinel-2C satellite, is in the Vega launch tower – but there has been some essential work taking place to integrate it onto the rocket below.
Initially, the upper-composite was installed on spacers.
Vega–Sentinel-2C upper composite being lowered onto the rocket. (ESA-CNES-ARIANESPACE/Optique vidéo du CSG–S. Martin)
Vega–Sentinel-2C upper composite on spacers. (ESA-CNES-ARIANESPACE/Optique vidéo du CSG–S. Martin)
This gap, left by the spacers, between the upper-composite and the AVUM, which is the fourth stage of the rocket allows engineers to connect the harness between these two parts of the rocket.
A switch ON of the satellite and quick check confirmed that electrical connection of the umbilical lines.
After similar electrical checks on the launcher electrical interfaces, the second step of integration could take place, after removal of the spacer, to finalise the mechanical mating.
The upper-composite ventilation system was then temporarily set up to create a cooler and controlled environment compatible with the satellite testing.
Checks were also carried out to confirm Sentinel-2C’s good health, and the proper operation of all umbilical and network links.
Even though each and every intermediate piece had been verified beforehand, only this end-to-end validation can demonstrate that the final launch pad configuration is working, and it did!
Checks done. (ESA-CNES-ARIANESPACE/Optique vidéo du CSG–S. Martin)
Another step closer to launch!
Read more about the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.
Discussion: no comments