The Ariane 5's main cryogenic stage is raised into position over the mobile launch table in one of the first steps of the Flight 142 campaign. This stage is powered by the large Vulcain 5 engine, which is ignited on the launch pad along with the solid boosters
One of the Ariane 5's two solid booster stages is rolled toward the launcher integration building, where it will be moved on to the launch table. Once both boosters are anchored on the table, the main cryogenic stage is lowered into position between them for mating. Until the mating process is completed, the cryogenic stage is suspended over the launch table by two arms.
	This picture, taken in an upper level of the launcher integration building, shows the vehicle equipment bay being lowered into position atop the Ariane 5 on June 6. The vehicle equipment bay - which often is called the launcher's "brains" - houses the flight control unit, power distribution system and attitude control thrusters.

		Ariane 5 emerges from the launcher integration building to begin its short trip by rail to the final assembly facility. The launcher's build-up in the integration building took 18 days, meeting the targeted processing time for Ariane 5.
The Ariane 5 for Flight 142 arrives at the final assembly building, where the mission's BSAT-2b and Artemis satellites are to be integrated. Flight 142 will be Arianespace's fifth mission of 2001.
		The Ariane 5 rides atop its launch table during the transfer between the launcher integration building and the final assembly building. This is one of two mobile launch tables for Ariane 5.

		The BSAT-2b spacecraft is readied for its first steps toward space. A technician makes final system verifications on the satellite (left), prior to its installation on the cone-shaped payload interface adapter (at right) from EADS CASA Espacio. BSAT-2b was then mounted atop the Ariane 5 in the lower payload position. The BSAT-2b was produced by U.S. manufacturer Orbital Sciences Corp. for Japanese operator B-SAT.
The launch vehicle for Flight 142 is complete, following installation of the payload fairing with the Artemis satellite atop the launcher. This picture was taken in the upper level of the Ariane 5 final assembly building, and it shows the fairing in position above the BSAT-2b satellite - which is installed in the lower payload position.

		Flight 142's completed launcher emerges for the first time from its final assembly building. The Ariane 5 is mounted on its launch table, which rides a dual rail track linking the final assembly building with the ELA-3 launch zone. The vehicle rolled out of the Ariane 5 final assembly building this morning at 11:00 a.m., and covered the 3.5 km. distance to the ELA-3 launch zone in approximately 45 minutes. It rode on the mobile launch table, which was pulled by a special tug truck.
This view shows the Ariane 5 as it begins its transfer to the launch zone, which is visible at the upper right in this aerial photo. Also seen in the picture is the ELA-2 launch site for Ariane 4, with its umbilical mast and mobile gantry (upper left).
		A close-up details the Ariane 5 on its mobile launch table. The blue truck tug is in front of the table. Partly visible behind the table is special support equipment that provides cooling and power while the launcher is on the move. This support equipment rides on one of the two sets of rails that link the Ariane 5 final assembly building with the launch zone.
The Ariane 5 has arrived at the ELA-3 launch zone, and is in place for liftoff. The two raised concrete flame ducts that funnel the Ariane 5 solid booster stages' exhaust are evident as they angle out from the launch pad. In the middle is the in-ground flame duct for the Vulcain engine of Ariane 5's core stage.

Rocket on launchpad

Credit all pictures; Arianespace

Astrophilately covers:

Launch cancel Kourou

Headquarter cancel Paris