PAZ satellite moments before being loaded into its container

Many parcels are being sent this time of year, and another very large one that has been packaged is the PAZ Earth observation satellite built by Airbus in Madrid.  The PAZ is about to be loaded into its container to be transported to Vandenberg, in California, where it will be launched on January 30th, 2018.

Loading and transport of the Spanish Earth observation satellite, PAZ, is underway. Airbus engineers in Madrid are installing the 1,400 kg satellite into the container that will protect it during its journey to the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

In addition to the satellite, the team will also transport the electrical and mechanical ground support equipment plus all the testing and conditioning devices needed to prepare the satellite for its launch. Three trucks will transport the satellite and its equipment to the Spanish Air Force Base at Torrejón de Ardóz, where it will be loaded into the air freighter that will take it to the USA. 

A team of 15 Airbus space technicians and engineers will travel to Vandenberg to receive the satellite and the equipment. Test systems will be assembled to check the satellite’s health, and batteries will be installed prior to fuelling when the spacecraft will be ready for launch.

The team will also install a bespoke payload adapter to integrate the satellite onto the launcher.