Lifting of the COTE rack into the launch table with a crane. The COTE rack
weighs 352 kg.
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Preparation of the launcher interfaces for mating with the SBS+P3-D and
ASAP5+STRV stack.
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Transfer of the full stack to the top of the rocket.
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Lifting of the whole stack with a crane for assembly on the launch vehicle in
the BAF.
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Several movable platforms allow full and easy access to the launcher and
payloads.
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P3-D meets the launcher..
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removal of the protection plug in the motor nozzle.
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All "Remove Before Flight" items, like protection caps for the cameras and
sensors, have to be removed prior the assembly of PAS-1R.
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The spacecraft is now "armed" and ready for flight. PAS-1R will be assembled on
top of us. It is the last time that we can see P3-D like this,
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Flight 135 will carry PanAmSat's PAS 1R, which, at a liftoff mass of 4,758 kg.
and a deployed span of 45.6 meters, is the largest commercial communications
satellite of its type. PanAmSat's first spacecraft was launched on the maiden
flight of ARIANE 401 together with AMSAT P3-C (OSCAR-13).
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PAS-1R meets P3-D
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A last view of P3-D before the adapter is bolted down and the fairing is
closed.
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On Launch Day-1 the AR507 launcher was rolled-out from the BAF to the launch
zone.
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The roll-out from the BAF to the ZL takes about 40 minutes.
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On it's way to the launch zone...
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