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Following a series of tests, fueling and encapsulation in a Payload Fairing, the SICRAL 1B satellite is ready for integration with a Zenit-3SL rocket. The Payload Unit moves out of the Payload Processing Facility onto a specially designed transportation carrier that an operator remotely controls. An air-conditioning system in the front of the nose cone maintains temperature and pressure for the enclosed spacecraft. The 10-minute ride to the Sea Launch Commander concludes with the Payload Unit rolling up the stern ramp of the ship and into the assembly hall for mating with a Block DM Upper Stage.
(Sea Launch photos by |
