The latest (and possibly final?) installment from Charlotte Beskow in Kourou, sent in last night. She gives a review of what went on during yesterday’s very impressive Ariane 5 roll-out. We’ve also pasted in a v. cool raw video extract courtesy of ESA TV (natural audio only – no narration) shot yesterday. Click on ‘continue reading‘ below to read her full post – DGS

Kourou, Monday 14 February 2011

Today is D-1! Actually it is wrong to say “D-1” because it gives the impression we are almost at the end of the project. In fact, we are nearing the end of the preparation. The real fun is about to start!!!

Here in Kourou, it is easy to confuse the launch with the mission because for the people at CSG the launch **is** the purpose. As soon as we are off the ground and safely on our way to the ISS, their work with us is over and they have a new set of clients hammering at the door, waiting to get in [or get up? – Ed.].

[flv:2011-02-14_atv2_rollout.flv 640 360]

For us, on the other hand, tomorrow is just the beginning: If all goes well, then tomorrow at about 23:22 GMT we will be at “D-8,” where ‘D’ equals ‘docking with the ISS.’ So, bear with me, the diary isn’t over just yet.

As I drive to work I see the security checkpoints are in place. The gendarmerie have set up a checkpoint just outside S5C building – Oops! Better put the safety belt on… The road will be closed for the transfer (the tracks run straight across it..).

Road is closed!

This morning we started off with interviews for various media; video clips will be made available to them – they might, or might not, pick us up…

We were standing near the BAF where everything was being prepared for roll out.

The door was open and as I gazed upon L544 (i.e. the 44th AR5 launcher), I thought that it is quite fantastic! I saw No. 1, and now I am seeing No. 200!. It also felt weird to think that just a few days ago, I was lying on the upper platform gazing into the open hatch, trying to get a picture of the interior after final loading…

Now the platforms are completely retracted. The launcher, standing on its moveable transporter table (which rolls on huge tracks), is ready to roll.

Going down into ATV

Going down into ATV

I could not wait, but sped back to the office where, a bit later, I could see the roll-out on TV!

In the office, we made some final checks of the first mission plans to be loaded onboard ATV. The assessments were fine, the papers were signed and at 17h00 GMT the data had been transferred from Toulouse to here, ready to be loaded tomorrow during the countdown.

After ATV had arrived at the ZL (Zone de Lancement – the launch pad), the Clemessy teams went over to check out the interface equipment through which we will communicate with ATV. This was necessary before we started the final D-1 checks to see that ATV was OK after transfer to the ZL.

Ariane 5 with ATV-2 on board in BAF

Ariane 5 with ATV-2 on board in BAF

We rushed over to the check point for entry to the ZL and in our eagerness forgot to bring both hard hats and breathing masks – our Arianespace contact let out an exasperated sigh and then fixed us up with all the required gear.

I got my first real close-up view of the transporter table and of the launcher on top. Wow!!!! I was not allowed to take any pictures though… The sun was shining on us and Ariane looked great!!!!

Now I am back in the office, cleaning up a few loose ends and making sure I have what I need for tomorrow. The countdown starts at H0–10 hours. H0 is 22:13:27 GMT and you can follow it on https://www.esa.int – you can also follow ‘live’ commentary via the blog https://blogs.esa.int/atv/

There is even a clip on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYYo8jciwPU

So, sit back and enjoy the show!

– Charlotte