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GIOVE-B on the launch pad

The Soyuz-Fregat launch vehicle carrying GIOVE-B, the first of ESA's two Galileo In-Orbit Validation Element demonstrators for the Galileo global navigation satellite system (Picture: ESA).

24.04.2008

The launcher that will carry GIOVE-B into orbit has been moved from the final assembly building to the launch pad in preparation for liftoff on Sunday morning.

Shortly after sunrise this Tuesday morning in Baikonur, a Soyuz launcher with the GIOVE-B satellite in its fairing was carried onto its launch pad. Indeed, a small train was formed to cross the kilometre between the final assembly building and the launch zone: a locomotive pulling the rocket followed by the wagons needed to provide energy and air conditioning to the spacecraft.

GIOVE-B was built by a European industrial team led by Astrium GmbH, with Thales Alenia Space performing integration and testing in Rome. This latest satellite will continue the demonstration of critical technologies for the navigation payload of future operational Galileo satellites.