With 16 working days to go (L-16) preparations continue according to plan with the week's activities being devoted to testing the satellite's electrics. This included passing an important milestone with the electrical tests on the Gradiometer – GOCE's core instrument.
Read more at:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/GOCE/SEMRGV3G6KF_0.html
26-08-2008 at the spaceport Of plesetsk is conducted planned work on launch preparation [RKN] “Rockot” with [RB] “Breeze- KM” and European KA GOCE
http://www.roscosmos.ru/NewsDoSele.asp?NEWSID=4029Starting campaign on the launch preparation of space rocket “roar” with the European automatic spacecraft GOCE goes full speed. Starting is outlined on September 10, 2008.
On this week at the spaceport Of [plesetsk] complete the operations on the autonomous preparation of the component parts of the space rocket “Rockot” (boost cluster, starting block “Breeze- KM”, automatic spacecraft GOCE).
In the assembly and testing housing the specialists of European Space Agency, Thales Of alenia, Astrium and Eurockot already carried out the basic testings of systems and equipment of automatic spacecraft. Apparatus was charged and passed test series for airtightness.
On the launching system [RN] “Rockot” the calculations of the space center and space troops successfully conducted mechanical and electrical tests of space head part in the composition [RB] “Breeze- KM” and fairing (without the automatic spacecraft) and the carrier rocket. Then kgfh delivered conversely in Mick, where the starting block and nose fairing were dismantled. Now starting block is prepared for the transport to the servicing station for the servicing with propellant components.
After servicing starting block will be displaced into the hall of assembling kgfh in Mick for the subsequent jointing with the automatic spacecraft and the transitional system. These operations will conduct together Russian and foreign participants in the starting campaign. Joint operations on assembling of kgfh will begin into the near several days.
25 August 2008 / L-16
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040965&main=3Today it is slightly colder with about 16 degree C and again some grey sky.
The Rockot Upper Composite, which has been transported back to the MIK yesterday is being disassembled today, starting with the payload fairing. Afterwards the upper stage will be prepared and packed to be transported to the fuelling facility.
ESA, Alenia and Astrium are performing a launch countdown rehearsal with ESOC, the European Space Operation Center in Darmstadt, Germany today. This is the center that will closely follow the launch on September 10 and supervise spacecraft operations after separation from the Rockot upper stage.
26 August 2008 / L-15
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040966&main=3The SC will undergo a last interface check with ESOC today, before it will finally be prepared for mating with the Launch Vehicle Adapter using an EADS/CASA clamp band separation system tomorrow. Those activities consist mainly of removing some more red tag items (remove before flight items), checks of torques on screws fixing thermal hardware.
Also, an additional piece of SC EGSE (Electrical Ground Support Equipment) had to be transported to the Undertable Room today. This bunker is located directly under the launch pad and enables the electrical connection of the GOCE spacecraft to the EGSE via umbilical lines routed through the Launch Vehicle Adapter, the upper stage, the stationary mast and the ground. The stationary mast is the structure that supports the Rockot launch container up to launch.
The payload faring had been removed from the upper stage yesterday, today the upper stage is packed and transported to the fuelling facility which is near the town of Mirny about 30km from the MIK.In parallel, Khrunichev is preparing the adapter stand, mounting the launch vehicle adapter onto it and preparing the clamp band separation system for the mating operations tomorrow.
It looks as autumn is eventually approaching as the temperature has further dropped to 10 degrees C - nevertheless we still hope for some warm days in September.
27 August 2008 / L-14
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040967&main=3Today the 'real' combined operations have started. After final checkouts of the Launch Vehicle Adapter (LVA) the GOCE SC was hoisted onto the LVA. It was verified that there is a correct mechanical fit of SC and LVA rings. In addition the mechanical fit of the pushers (which push away the SC after release of the separation system) and their corresponding interface on the SC side was checked.
Subsequently, the clamp band was applied and pre-tensioned. The electrical connectors are mated and the electrical continuity of the electrical circuits is ensured by test.
The outside temperature has risen to 12 degrees C and according to reliable sources some blue spots can be seen from time to time in the sky.
When talking about observations we should also mention the bear which was seen on Monday on the road by the second shift on their way home from the MIK
28 August 2008 / L-13
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040968&main=3After the mating of SC, Launch Vehicle Adapter and clamp band yesterday, some electrical checks had to be performed today. That's why the SC was switched on, connections verified and switched off again. All tests were successful.
The payload fairing half shells were finally inspected regarding their cleanliness and have been protected with a transparent bag, ready for encapsulation.
29 August 2008 / L-12
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040969&main=3Only one day is left before the spacecraft together with the adapter is going to be installed on the Breeze-KM Upper Stage!
Today all so called red tag parts (i.e. the parts that are usually installed just for ground operations and not for flight) were removed from the satellite. The cover of the solar array was removed as well. After that the satellite was installed on the transportation trolley (see Fig.1) so that tomorrow morning it can be transferred to the Upper Stage clean area for its installation on the Breeze.
As to the Breeze-KM Upper Stage the whole day was devoted to its preparation for mating with the satellite tomorrow. Most of the time was spent on the battery and multi layer isolation (MLI) installation.
August 2008 / L-11
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040970&main=3Today was one of the most important days of the GOCE Program activities during the launch campaign: Today the SC mating on Breeze Upper Stage (US) has taken place.
First the SC and adapter composite was transferred from the SC clean area to the US clean area on the transportation trolley. With the help of a crane the SC and adapter were lifted from the trolley (see Fig.1), transferred (Fig.2) and installed on the Upper Stage (Fig.3).
After completion of final mating activities such as tightening of the bolts (Fig.4), installation of the MLI and checking of the pyro means, the electrical check-outs were carried out with the Breeze first and afterwards with the SC.
Michael Fehringer is responsible for overseeing the system design of the GOCE mission, which means ensuring that the satellite and related data-processing facilities all meet the scientific and technical requirements that were originally laid down when the mission was selected.
Read more at:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/GOCE/SEMZG7O4KKF_0_iv.html
1 September 2008 / L-9
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040971&main=3Yesterday was the last day when the GOCE spacecraft could be seen. After that the LV fairing encapsulation was performed.
Today the final mechanical and electrical activities on the upper composite integration and assembly were carried out (the upper composite consists of the Breeze upper stage, adapter, spacecraft itself and the fairing). After that the electrical check-outs of the SC being a part of the upper composite are conducted. At the end of this day the stickers with GOCE and Eurockot logos will be placed on the fairing.
2 September 2008 / L-8
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040972&main=3Just one day is left before the upper composite, i.e. the Breeze upper stage together with the adapter and the GOCE spacecraft will leave the MIK processing facility for the launch pad.
Today the Upper Composite was first transferred from the clean area to the general hall of the MIK (see Fig.1). There the photo of ESA, Thales-Alenia, Khrunichev and the Eurockot team working currently in Plesetsk in the GOCE program was taken (see Fig.2). After that the electrical check-outs of the upper composite were performed.
Also today the upper composite thermal cover will be mounted. After that the upper composite will be placed on the railway platform and connected to the railway car conditioning system in order to be transported to the launch pad under controlled thermal conditions.
The Full Integration of the Rockot Launch Vehicle Begins at Plesetsk Launch Pad03.09.2008http://www.khrunichev.ru/main.php?id=1&nid=226 "Today the Upper Composite (UC), consisting of the GOCE spacecraft, the Breeze KM upper stage (the third stage of the Rockot launcher), the adapter (the interstage) and the fairing, was rolled out from the “MIK” processing facility to the launch pad and successfully mechanically mated with the Rockot vehicle.
During the next few days, the GOCE launch team members (Russian Space Forces, ESA, Thales Alenia, Khrunichev, Eurockot) will conduct series of launch vehicle electrical check–outs and spacecraft electrical and functional tests. Also LV fuelling will be performed"
Danilo Muzi has been responsible for managing ESA's GOCE Project since the mission was selected for implementation at the end of 1999. His role has involved setting up, coordinating and managing the many components that make up this challenging mission.
Read more at:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/GOCE/SEMQIFO4KKF_0_iv.html
3 September 2008 / L-7
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040973&main=3Today the roll-out of the upper composite (UC) from the MIK processing facility started at 6:00hrs in the morning. The whole stack (Breeze upper stage, GOCE spacecraft and adapter) covered with the thermal blanket and connected to the railway car air-conditioning system was transferred to the launch pad (Fig.1).
There the upper composite was first lifted to the 7th floor of the service tower (Fig.2) where it will undergo final operations. After that it will be installed on the booster unit. There the mating device as well as stiffening ring will be removed from the UC. The last operation foreseen for today is the fitting of the transportation and launch container (TLC) extension.
As preparations for the launch of GOCE on 10 September continue on schedule, an important milestone has just been achieved as engineers at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia say farewell to the satellite as it is encapsulated in the two half-shells of the launcher's fairing.
Read more at:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/GOCE/SEMGLHO4KKF_0.html
4 September 2008 / L-6
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040974&main=3The GOCE launch campaign is speeding up. Today is the second day of the GOCE spacecraft being at the launch pad. After the LV targeting, the mating of ground and onboard cabling took place.
The spacecraft team switched on the GOCE satellite after the Khrunichev Space Center performed the check-out of the transit electrical cables.
Still today the activity on mounting of the LV filling pipe-lines will be started. The SC functional check-outs are planned to be performed today as well.
With lift-off less than a week away, the campaign to launch ESA's gravity satellite is rapidly moving ahead. The Rockot launch vehicle carrying GOCE has already been erected on the launch pad.
Read more at:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/GOCE/SEM8ETO4KKF_0.html
5 September 2008 / L-5
http://www.eurockot.com/alist.asp?cnt=20040975&main=3Today the GOCE team had the launch countdown rehearsal. It means that all people went to those sites where they are supposed to be at the launch day and acted as during the real launch.
Everything went smoothly and we all hope that it will be the same on the launch day.
Detailed information about launch from Khrunichev:
http://coopi.khrunichev.ru/eng/pl_pusk.htm"The Rokot Breeze-KM launch vehicle with the GOCE satellite on board is scheduled to be launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome on 10.09.2008 at 14 h 21 m 17 s UTC (10.09.2008 18 h 21 m 17 s Moscow Local Time)"
Continuing of previous message