On Tuesday, at the launch pad, the upper composite was integrated on the launcher in two steps. First, it was installed on spacers.

This gap left by the spacers between the upper composite and the AVUM (4th stage of the launcher) allows to perform the harness connection between the two elements. A switch ON of the satellite and quick check confirmed the good electrical connection of the umbilical lines. After similar electrical checks got successfully performed on the launcher electrical interfaces, the second step of integration could take place, after removal of the spacer, to finalize the mechanical mating.

The PAC ventilation system was then set-up in a temporary configuration allowing to create a cooler and controlled environment compatible with the satellite testing.

As part of the planned activities, a functional check of the satellite was executed, confirming its good health, and the proper operation of all links: umbilical to the EGSE in the COTE room and network from COTE room to the check-out system in the LBC from where all the automated test scripts were remotely run. Even though each and every intermediate piece had been verified beforehand, only this end-to-end validation can give the demonstration that the final launch pad configuration is working, and it did!

One step closer…