[meteorite-list] ExoMars 2016 Spacecraft Encapsulated Within Launcher Fairing

[Ron Baalke]

http://exploration.esa.int/mars/57517-exomars-2016-spacecraft-encapsulated-within-launcher-fairing/

ExoMars 2016 spacecraft encapsulated within launcher fairing
European Space Agency
03 March 2016

With less than two weeks until the launch of ExoMars 2016, preparations 
are proceeding well and the spacecraft composite has now been encapsulated 
within the launcher fairing at the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Earlier this week the spacecraft composite, comprised of the Trace Gas 
Orbiter and Schiaparelli, was mated with the launch vehicle adapter and 
installed on top of the Breeze upper stage. Yesterday, 2 March, the Breeze 
upper stage and spacecraft were encapsulated together within the two fairing 
halves. Prior to the encapsulation, they were tilted horizontally and 
the first fairing half was rolled underneath the spacecraft and Breeze, 
on a track inside the cleanroom. The second fairing half was then lowered 
into place by means of an overhead crane, encapsulating the payload.