After arriving at the California launch site at the end of September, the two HydroGNSS satellites have been carefully prepared for liftoff, scheduled this month.
After arriving at the California launch site at the end of September, the two HydroGNSS satellites have been carefully prepared for liftoff, scheduled this month.
HydroGNSS—a twin-satellite mission—marks the European Space Agency’s first „Scout“ venture. By harnessing signals from navigation satellites, HydroGNSS will help scientists gain new insights into key climate variables linked to water.
The identical microsatellites will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, sharing their Transporter-15 ride into orbit with several other small satellites.
Since their arrival, the HydroGNSS satellites have undergone a series of final checks—including testing, propellant loading, battery charging and integration with their launch adapter.
Both satellites are now ready for the next milestone: closing of the rocket fairing.
ESA’s HydroGNSS Project Manager, Jean-Pascal Lejault, said, „Reaching this milestone is a tremendous achievement, and I am incredibly proud of the entire team behind HydroGNSS.
