ESA Science & Technology - Spacecraft alignment measurements

The Planck flight model spacecraft stands on its multi-purpose trolley with a protective textile cover over the telescope, while the spacecraft alignment measurements are being performed with theodolites.

Hanging over the spacecraft and attached to the top of the service module is the Planck vertical lifting device with its four arms. It was used later to hoist up and transfer the spacecraft vertically to the vertical integration stand (VIS) for the integration activities of the flight model solar array.