Arianespace Flight 146: Ready for transfer to the launch zone

Final preparations are complete for tomorrow’s transfer of Flight 146’s
Ariane 4 to the launch zone.

The vehicle will be moved out of the vertical assembly building, where its
first, second and third stages were integrated, along with its two large
liquid boosters.

Our mission photo (at right) is a “family” picture that brings together
representatives from the mission’s three major participants: Boeing
Satellite Systems (manufacturer of Flight 146’s DIRECTV-4S satellite
payload), DIRECTV (the satellite operator) and Arianespace.

Gathered at the base of the Ariane 4 in the vertical assembly building are:
Brad Crocker (right), the DIRECTV-4S Launch Operations Manager for Boeing
Satellite Systems; Philip Goswitz (center), DIRECTV’s Spacecraft Mission
Director; and Gilles Triay, Arianespace’s Flight 146 Mission Director.

Once the Ariane 4 has been moved to the launch zone, the vehicle will be
fitted with its two solid strap-on boosters and the payload will be
installed.

The final countdown then will begin for the launcher’s liftoff, which is now
set for the evening of November 26.

Flight 146’s Ariane 4 is one of 10 vehicles that remain to be launched
before the workhorse Ariane 4 family is retired from service.