ESA Cryosat-2 Polar Ice Observation

The campaign activities, which include further testing on the main instrument antenna – the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)/Interferometric Radar Altimeter (SIRAL) and the Doppler Orbit and Radio Positioning Integration by Satellite (DORIS), which provides the satellite with accurate time and positioning data, have continued on schedule.

Once the final phase of testing had been completed, permission was given to fuel the satellite and encapsulate it with the upper stage of the Dnepr rocket.

CryoSat-2 is now sealed with the upper stage – the 'space head module' – of the rocket and next week will make its way to the launch pad where it will be integrated onto the rest of the launcher in the silo