Special Delivery
The Aeolus satellite arrives in French Guiana after a 12-day journey from France.
Into the Fairing
Engineers prepare to encapsulate the Aeolus satellite inside its payload fairing.
So Long, Aeolus!
The rocket's payload fairing closes around the Aeolus satellite as engineers get their last view of the satellite. It remained inside this protective nose cone until 3 minutes and 56 seconds after launch.
On a Roll
Sealed inside the payload fairing, the Aeolus satellite heads to the launch site at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. After this short road trip, was mounted on top of the Vega rocket in the launch tower.
Aeolus Gets a Lift
The Aeolus satellite, sealed inside its payload fairing, is hoisted to the top of the Vega rocket at the launch tower in Kourou, French Guiana.
Aeolus Joins Vega
The Aeolus satellite sits on top of the Vega rocket inside the launch tower in Kourou, French Guiana.
Aeolus on the Launchpad
The European Space Agency's Aeolus satellite and the Arianespace Vega rocket stand ready for liftoff at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
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