Green light to fuel MSG-3

Though the investigations related to Intelsat-19 solar array anomaly may continue, the fuelling of our co-passenger has effectively started on 15/06/2012 early morning at EPCU S5A.
This point was one of the prerequisites to close out the MSG-3 Pre-fuelling Review. As a consequence, authorisation has been given to fuel MSG-3. The fuelling preparation will start tomorrow, and the first drop of MON propellant should be in the tank as from Monday 18/06/2012.
This decision, expected for three weeks now, was very welcome by all teams here at CSG.
This date (15/06/2012) is an important milestone for both payloads and also a step forward in this campaign for a launch scheduled on 05/07/2012.

Here above, MSG-3 in EPCU S5B on the fuel stand as it looks since its transfer from S5C on 11/06/2012. On both sides, the "boas" blow air to cool the two batteries.
Last but not least, a warm welcome to all members of the Thales fuelling team who just reached Kourou!