2002-040 - Ariane 5

ESA

August 12, 2002: The Ariane 5 for Flight 155 has moved one step closer to launch with its transfer from the Spaceport's launcher integration building to the final assembly building.
The rollout occurred on Saturday, August 10, when the heavy-lift vehicle was moved along the semi-circular length of rail track that links the two buildings together in the ELA-3 launch complex. Our pictures show the transfer process for Arianespace's next Ariane 5 mission, which remains on schedule for August 27.

The transfer process begins as the Ariane 5 and its launch table emerge from the launcher integration building. A special multi-purpose tug is used to move the launcher from point to point in the ELA-3 launch complex. One of Ariane 5's two solid boosters and the central cryogenic stage are clearly visible in this picture.

August 26: Ariane 5 moves to the launch zone:

Ariane 5 emerges from the final assembly building, riding on its mobile launch table that is pulled by a multipurpose tug. Visible in the foreground is the dual rail track that links the final assembly facility with the Ariane 5 launch zone.

The Ariane 5 moves toward the launch zone in this long view that shows some of the Spaceport's infrastructure. Ariane 5 is transferred to the launch zone as a complete vehicle, having been fitted with the Atlantic BirdTM 1 and MSG-1 payloads in the final assembly building.

This drawing from Ariane 5 industrial architect EADS Launch Vehicles details the dual payload arrangement for Flight 155. The Atlantic Bird 1 spacecraft is installed under the short version of Ariane 5's payload fairing. The fairing will be jettisoned at 3 minutes into the flight, and Atlantic BirdTM 1 will be released from atop the Sylda C deployment system 25 minutes later. The Sylda C unit will then be separated, exposing MSG-1 for its deployment 36 minutes after liftoff.

Launch:

Launch vehicle:	Ariane 5
Launch vehicle ID:	V 155
Payload:	Atlantic Bird 1, MSG 1
Launch date:	28 Aug 2002
Launch site:	Korou

Astrophilately covers:

Launch cancel Kourou

Headquarter cancel Paris

Credit covers: J.VdDr.

Ref.: #3, #66a, #91 - update: 04.11.19

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