Today the propulsion team performed thruster tests to check all was well before starting pressurisation tests. As these are classed as hazardous only the propulsion team were allowed to be present.

In parallel there was a meeting to discuss the joint operations, which are the activities that are performed with integrating the satellite with the launcher hardware. It made one feel there was light at the end of the tunnel.

Today the propulsion team continued their setup.

The team was also treated to being able to see the MAXAR 1 launch where the booster landed back next to the pad. Very impressive.

Another lunch, another chuck wagon:-)

The Japanese also had a Koinobori for Earthcare.

Koinobori have the meaning of wishing for the growth of children.

EarthCARE took a long time but is now growing up. 

We are all hoping for the success of EarthCARE !

Also we had some information on the booster to be used for our launch, ours is number 1081 which has been launched six times before.

On the fun facts: the science team is reacting very positive on the PACE booster: ESA are cooperating with the PACE mission for science and cal/val activities !

There is another fun-fact: on the CREW-7 mission (first flight of the booster), there was an ESA and JAXA crewmember onboard ! As such this booster is becoming an important enabler in the NASA-ESA-JAXA cooperation.