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MetOp-A is integrated in its protective payload fairing
July 11, 2006
Europe's MetOp-A satellite has been enclosed in the Soyuz 2-1a's enlarged payload fairing as preparations for the July 17 launch move into their final phase.
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This overhead photo shows the MetOp-A satellite and its Fregat upper stage (visible to the left) as it is ready to be enclosed in the payload fairing (at the upper right). |
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The fairing protects MetOp-A and its Fregat upper stage during the first 4 minutes and 49 seconds of the mission, providing a shield which Soyuz climbs through the dense layers of the atmosphere.
Encapsulation of the payload with its fairing took place inside Starsem's Upper Composite Integration Facility (UCIF) at Baikonur Cosmodrome. This new fairing is one of the key features on the improved Soyuz 2-1a launcher version, which also has a new digital flight control system that enables the launcher to be flown with the lager fairing and provides additional mission flexibility for the vehicle.
All is proceeding on schedule for Starsem's July 17 liftoff of MetOp-A. The next step will be the fairing/satellite combination's transfer to the Soyuz preparation hall, where MetOp-A will be mated to its launch vehicle.
Credits: ESA - K. Büchler
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See the other mission updates:
> Launch postponement for the MetOp-A satellite (July 20, 2006)
> MetOp-A: launch postponed (July 19, 2006)
> MetOp-A satellite launch (July 19, 2006)
> Postponement of the MetOp-A launch (July 18, 2006)
> MetOp-A: launch postponed (July 17, 2006)
> Soyuz 2-1a moves to the launch pad with MetOp-A (July 14, 2006)
> MetOp-A is mated to its Soyuz 2-1a launcher (July 12, 2006)
> The improved Soyuz 2-1a launcher's new payload fairing is ready for flight (June 28, 2006)
> MetOp-A is readied for its July flight on the upgraded Soyuz 2-1a launcher (June 16, 2006)
> MetOp-A launch campaign begins at Baikonur Cosmodrome (April 22, 2006)
For additional information on the MetOp-A mission, read the Launch Kit.
Watch the MetOp-A launch live.
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