(C20) Payload Container gets prepared

A strange object has been introduced in the S1 High Bay. It is called CCU-2 (Container de Charge Utile/Payload Container). It is a container specially designed to transport spacecrafts between the various facilities of the Centre Spatial Guyanais. It will be used twice for MSG-4: the first time to transfer MSG-4 from the S1B to the fueling area (S5B) and the second from the S5B building to the launcher area (BAF) where the spacecraft will be mated on the top of the Ariane 5 launcher.

A view of CCU-2 in S1 B in open position

Memories of the numerous spacecrafts transported by the CCU-2 can be read on the two shells. It is the usual way engineers and technicians say good bye to their "baby" before the spacecraft leaves for being mated and encapsulated on the launcher. They never lack of inspiration and like sometimes to recall in these messages good episodes of the long campaigns. A quick tour today permits to retrieve easily the one dedicated to a well known bird… MSG-3, launched from CSG on 5th of July 2012. 

Fragments of "Love letters" on CCU-2 shells

Nothing has been written yet for MSG-4. Anyway there will be a second transport (from S5B to BAF) as explained above and then another chance after the fueling is completed. 

Below, in the background of the S1B high bay, MSG-4 is patiently waiting for its transfer on Friday 05/06 on the CCU-2...

A view on MSG-4 trough the CCU-2 open shells