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Spacecraft processing is completed and the Payload Unit - the satellite encapsulated in a payload fairing - is ready for transfer from the Payload Processing Facility to the assembly hall on the Sea Launch Commander. Here, the payload operations team gathers to review procedural readiness. In the foreground, the transporter is positioned outside the door, ready to receive the Payload Unit. |
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The door opens and the Payload Unit is carefully moved onto the transporter and prepared for transit. |
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Forward of the Payload Unit is the airconditioning unit, connected into the fairing by the orange tube, maintaining the optimal temperature and pressure for the spacecraft environment. |
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The transfer begins and the Payload Unit slowly makes its way toward the ship, past the warehouse into a parking lot, where the operator of the remotely controlled transporter makes a turn toward the stern ramp of the ship. |
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The Payload Unit rolls up the ramp and into the assembly hall where it will be integrated with the Zenit-3SL rocket.
(Sea Launch photos by |
