These photos were taken in Kourou on Wednesday this week as technicians used the LCAM (Late Cargo Access Means), a mechanical system that enables workers to lift and lower late-load cargo items into ATV through the docking hatch, to, well, lift and lower cargo! It’s demanding, delicate work – like packing the kids and dog into the family minivan for summer holidays at the beach – but much tougher!

Late cargo loading at Kourou
Technician being lowered into ATV-3 to load last-minute cargo on 15 February, in Kourou. Lift-off is set for 9 March 2012. Credit: ESA/CNES/ARIANESPACE – Optique Video du CSG, JM Guillon.

Late cargo loading at Kourou
Credit: ESA/CNES/ARIANESPACE – Optique Video du CSG, JM Guillon.