The team attaches brackets to the second stage (in view of photo) and also to the base of the first stage of the rocket. The rocket rests on a transporter, which has been rolled out on the stern ramp of the Sea Launch Commander. Two cables extended from cranes above are attached to these brackets to lift the rocket up 200 feet to the main deck of the Launch Platform. The Launch Platform is positioned directly behind the ship at the Sea Launch pier. The flexible orange tube will be attached to the Payload Unit, to provide consistent environmental conditions for the satellite.

Looking out towards the stern ramp of the ship, the Launch Platform cranes slowly lift the rocket off the transporter.

The rocket rises up to the hangar on the Launch Platform.

With cables now fully coiled up, the rocket will be carried into the hangar and positioned on the transporter-erector.