Integral propellant tanks filled – Launch on schedule for October 17th

After completion of the functional tests for the Integral scientific
satellite at the Baikonur launch base (Kazakhstan) earlier this month, the
propellant tanks have now been filled with hydrazine in preparation for the
scheduled launch on October 17th.

In parallel, activities are ongoing to complete the assembly of the Proton
launcher.

Integral (INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory) is a space
observatory to identify and study Gamma radiation sources in the Universe.

The satellite has been developed by a European industrial team in which
Alenia Spazio has acted as prime contractor co-ordinating the activities of
some 30 subcontractors.

The successful end of the C/D phase came in July with the Flight Acceptance
Review (FAR), carried out by ESA, which confirmed that all the on-board
resources could guarantee the success of the foreseen five-year mission.

Alenia Spazio then officially delivered the satellite to ESA and was
authorised to start the preparations for the launch.