ESA Science & Technology - Double Star ready for shipment to launch pad

During the meeting on 13-15 November 2003, the launcher, spacecraft, payload and ground segment were reviewed by CNSA and ESA. The launcher will be a Long March 2C associated with the CTS upper stage. The launcher has undergone all necessary qualification tests and was scheduled to be shipped to the launch pad, located in Xichang, Sichuan Province, South-western China, on 20 November 2003.

During the summer, the Double Star spacecraft passed successfully the environment tests. Then in October the magnetic tests were conducted and the results were very good, meeting the very stringent cleanliness requirements. The European and Chinese instruments, integrated on the spacecraft, went also through these tests and have been declared ready to be shipped to the launch site.

The launch campaign will start on 26 November 2003 and last about one month. The main activities will be the final installation of the multi-layer insulation (MLI) foils, the instrument functioning tests, antennas installation and, toward the end of the campaign, the filling of the spacecraft with hydrazine. The spacecraft will then be mated to the launcher and brought to the launch pad. The launch is planned for 28 December 2003 at 1923 UT.

After the launch of TC-1, the instrument and spacecraft teams will continue to work hard to integrate the second Double Star spacecraft (TC-2). The launch of TC-2 is planned for June 2004.

Contact points:

C. Philippe Escoubet
ESA/ESTEC
Tel: +31-715653454
Fax: +31-715654697
Email: Philippe.Escoubetesa.int

Bodo Gramkow
ESA/ESTEC
Tel: 31715654564
Fax: 31715655922
Email: bodo.gramkowesa.int