MetOp-A is mated to its Soyuz 2-1a launcher

July 12, 2006

The MetOp-A meteorological satellite is now mated to its Soyuz 2-1a launch vehicle as preparations move into their final hours for the July 17 liftoff from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

The Soyuz 2-1a's payload fairing with its MetOp-A satellite is mated to the launcher's third stage.
MetOp-A – which is mounted on its Fregat upper stage and encapsulated in the enlarged Soyuz payload fairing – was transferred from Starsem's Upper Composite Integration Facility (UCIF) by rail to the Soyuz launcher preparation hall.

The payload was then mated to the Soyuz 2-1a's third stage, completing the launcher's assembly process.

This clears the way for the Soyuz 2-1a's roll-out to launch pad #6 at Baikonour Cosmodrome on Friday, July 14, where it will be erected and readied for the Monday evening liftoff – which is scheduled at 10:28 p.m. (8:28 p.m. in Moscow , 6:28 p.m. Paris time, and 4:28 p.m. GMT).

MetOp-A will be Europe's first polar-orbiting spacecraft dedicated to operational meteorology. Once in orbit, its satellite services will be shared between the U.S. and Europe. Developed by an EADS-Astrium-led consortium of European companies, MetOp-A has a mass at liftoff of approximately 4,100 kg.

Credits: ESA - K. Büchler

  • 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 integrated in its protective payload fairing (July 11, 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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