Sentinel 1CD Blog

This blog is dedicated to the Sentinel 1CD launch campaign at CSG Kourou. Here, we’ll be sharing the highlights of this incredible journey with our colleagues, families, and friends, bringing you along for every key moment of the campaign!

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HELLO Sentinel-1D!

Friday, 12th of September

Sentinel-1D has arrived at CSG, the European Spaceport!

After its journey, the satellite remained in its transportation container for 24 hours to acclimate.

While Sentinel-1D rested, the team was busy unpacking and setting up all the equipment necessary for health checks after transportation. The equipment used is known as the Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE).

SPACECRAFT TRANSPORT CONTAINER OPENING

On September 12th the transportation container was opened in the airlock, and Sentinel-1D was greeted with a warm welcome to CSG in Kourou.

Open transportation container revealing the Sentinel-1D satellite inside, with staff in protective gear nearby.
Sentinel-1D spacecraft transport container opening at S5C airlock
Sentinel-1D satellite being unloaded from its transport container in a clean room at the European Spaceport.
Sentinel-1D spacecraft getting out of its transport container
The Sentinel-1D satellite partially unpacked from its transportation container at the European Spaceport in Kourou.
Sentinel-1D spacecraft out of its transport container

Sentinel‑1D getS INTO the CLEAN ROOM

Sentinel-1D was transferred into the clean room, as a first step for setting the spacecraft for its preparation phase at CSG.

Technicians in cleanroom suits moving the Sentinel-1D satellite from its transportation container inside the clean room.
Sentinel-1D transfer into the clean room
Engineers in cleanroom attire working around the Sentinel-1D satellite on a transportation platform inside a cleanroom.
Sentinel-1D in the clean room at CSG
Sentinel-1D satellite in the clean room, with engineers in protective suits working in the background.
Sentinel-1D ready for next steps

SENTINEL-1D

Sentinel-1D was inspected to confirm its condition remained unchanged after transport, and then transferred to the spacecraft integration trolley to begin health checks verifying the spacecraft’s good health following its long journey. These checks are vital because repairs cannot be performed in space.

Secured to its multipurpose trolley, the assembly, integration and test team can manoeuvre the spacecraft to different positions as needed for integration operations and testing.

A team of technicians in blue coveralls and white helmets is gathered around the Sentinel-1D satellite, which is being lifted by a crane inside a clean room at the European Spaceport. The satellite has several reflective surfaces and is positioned on a transport trolley.
Lifting of Sentinel-1D
Sentinel-1D satellite being maneuvered on a trolley inside a clean room at the European Spaceport, surrounded by technicians in protective clothing.
Sentinel-1D transfer onto spacecraft integration trolley
A technician in a clean room using a crane to position the Sentinel-1D satellite, surrounded by other team members in protective gear.
Sentinel-1D adjustment onto spacecraft integration trolley
Sentinel-1D satellite being prepared for testing in a clean room, showcasing its reflective foil and electrical components.
Sentinel-1D positioned onto spacecraft integration trolley
Sentinel-1D satellite positioned in a clean room at the European Spaceport, showcasing its orange and silver exterior, with equipment ready for health checks.
Sentinel-1D view inside clean room
Sentinel-1D satellite secured on an integration trolley inside a clean room at the European Spaceport, with equipment for health checks visible in the background.
Sentinel-1D awaiting for spacecraft health checks

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