Update from Charlotte in Kourou: We are GREEN

Charlotte Beskow - DMS-A - without her headset - the Jupiter control room at Kourou

H0 – 2 h 20 min to H0 – 1h20

ATV is doing fine. Last data have been loaded and we are ready for the final steps. Keep your fingers crossed that nothing goes wrong between now and lift off… and then both fingers and toes that nothing goes wrong after that point either. We are looking forward to starting this major European mission to the ISS!

In Jupiter, the atmosphere has changed considerably. Two hours ago it was slow dedicated work, ticking off each procedure step methodically. Now there are more people and there’s more tension. There is movement behind us as visitors start arriving. And everyone is alert… ready to react in case of need.

Earlier today: Countdown is underway and with everything progressing smoothly, I made a quick trip to our office at S5C in order to clean out my desk. While there I decided to take the chance and register and to print my boarding card for tomorrow’s flight to Europe. I agree that means I am tempting the weather fates – but you have to take a few risks now and then. 

The rain is pouring down and when I get back to Jupiter there are 2 inches of water in the parking lot…. Not having much choice, I take off my shoes and wade to the front door. I must have looked a sight, sloshing through the water holding my shoes and my umbrella with one hand and keeping my skirt out of water with the other.