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Postpone the launch of GOCE

The activities of preparation to launch the satellite GOCE of ESA from the Plesetsk cosmodrome in northern Russia, have been arrested yesterday afternoon (Sunday, September 7) by Eurocket because of an anomaly detected in one of units of the subsystem guidance and navigation on the upper floor (Breeze KM) of the Rocket launcher.

To solve this problem, it will be necessary to replace this unit, which involves removing the upper composite launcher and his return to the area to launch the lobby of integration. Once the composite come in a clean room, the umbrella that protects the satellite will be open then GOCE and its adapter will be separated from the upper deck to give access to the equipment must be replaced on the floor Breeze KM.

Taking into account the time necessary for the operations of upgrading and integrating the new adapter, satellite and the umbrella, the launch has been postponed to October 5 at the same hour (16 h 21, Time continental Europe). The satellite and its mission will not be affected by the delay.