On Tuesday, the activities started very early in the morning for both Airbus and Arianespace teams in order to perform the first combined operations of the campaign: the satellite fit-check on the PLA.

This is a rehearsal of the mating procedure that will occur at D-8 (8 days before the launch) when the satellite, after fueling, is integrated on the launcher adapter. It allows to verify the compatibility of mechanical and electrical interfaces in advance, not to experience any technical issue or delay on the day of the final mating.

Once both sides were ready, the team briefing took place to coordinate the sequence of events and responsibilities for the different phases of handling, coupling, test and de-mating.

Once the mechanical coupling was achieved, the clamp-band was installed, flight tension applied, spring pushers armed. The umbilical links were connected and the satellite could be switched on by the Electrical Ground Support Equipment via a set of cables simulating the launch pad configuration.

The two highlights of this long day :

the excellent collaboration of Airbus and Arianespace teams,

and the perfect fit between satellite and launcher adapter!

The only shadow was a series of power outages that literally cast the clean room in the dark for several short periods, due to a failure of the CAT2 power supply. Fortunately we suffered no other consequence than a couple of hours delay. The CAT2 power recovery issue was solved by the end of the day.