These photos and brief comments sent in earlier today by Kristen MacDonell, ESA’s ATV cargo engineer on site in Kourou where late cargo loading for ATV-5 is in full swing.

Monday, 30 June: Late Cargo Access Means (LCAM – the hoist system that lowers cargo into ATV) installation, hatch opening and first rack partially loaded

Microbial sampling of the hatch before opening

Microbial sampling of the hatch before opening. Credit: ESA

Microbial sampling of the hatch before opening. Credit: ESA

Opening the hatch

Opening the hatch on ATV-5 in Kourou for late cargo loading. Credit: ESA

Opening the hatch on ATV-5 in Kourou for late cargo loading. Credit: ESA

Operator entering the ATV using the LCAM lift

O. Credit: ESAperator entering the ATV using the LCAM lift

O. Credit: ESAperator entering the ATV using the LCAM lift

View from inside ATV looking up at the hatch. The operator was ready for the first cargo bag. Credit: ESA

View from inside ATV looking up at the hatch. The operator was ready for the first cargo bag. Credit: ESA

View from inside ATV looking up at the hatch. The operator was ready for the first cargo bag.

Tuesday (1 July): Loading of all 4 racks

The first rack complete! Credit: ESA

The first rack complete! Credit: ESA

The first rack complete!

Today (3 July): inspection of racks and installation of adapter plates. If possible we will also start loading the bags on the rack front on the adapter plates.