Today was meant to be a leisurely day of tidying up the satellites, mating on the PLA and moving into the transport container ready for a move to the launch pad tomorrow. Well due to severe weather warnings it was decided to move today so all hands to the pump.

The close out activities were completed on the satellites and the solar arrays checked. A cover was then put on the stack to protect it in the container.

The stack was then mated onto the PLA

The clamp band and umbilicals were then installed before the stack was moved to the container.

The adapter was bolted to the base and the lid installed, a scary place for the two satellites.

Once closed the container was transferred to the waiting lorry to take it to SP3.

Before the lorry could leave there were a couple of interesting traditions to perform. One was lemons under the wheels ? , which is considered to absorb negative energies, is crushed as the vehicle moves forward, signifying the destruction of any evil forces or bad luck. This ritual is believed to purify the vehicle, ensuring smooth, accident-free journeys and the other was breaking open coconuts. It is believed that doing this helps in keeping the problems away and makes the work successful.

Then the move to SP3

The journey took about 50min and some of the team walked with it for the last part. The service tower doors were open and a very impressive launcher waiting to receive its passenger.