Launcher Roll-out for Rehearsal
18 November 1999
On 17 November Ariane 504 left the Integration Building where its main cryogenic stage and solid propellant boosters had been mated and where the vehicle equipment bay (the electronic brains of the launcher), and upper stage had been prepared for flight.
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Above: seen at a distance from one of the viewing sites, Ariane 504 has just left the Vehicle Integration Building. Right: Ariane 504 on its launch table with the umbilical tower |
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Rolling out on its launch table, Ariane 504 thus lacked only its satellite payload and its protective fairing. It had therefore a somewhat truncated appearance. But the spectacle was never the less grandiose for all those present.
Competition winners
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The first of the 14 European winning schools were from Austria: Bundesrealgymnasium, Graz and Germany: Ignaz Kögler Gymnasium, Lech
Twelve other school groups are to visit Kourou during the next two weeks.
Seen right, explaining the rollout and the XMM mission is Gunter Hampel, the Dornier XMM Spacecraft Manager.
Breath of fresh air
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Ariane 504 on its way to the launch zone, with on the left the Final Assembly Building |
XMM and its launcher will then be for the first time under the same roof. The spacecraft will have been fitted to its payload adaptor (ACU) and positioning at the summit of Ariane 5 will be able to take place. This is scheduled for 25 November.