- arrived in Kourou just in time to see the Ariane 506 launch (42k) carrying Astra and GE-7 into space !
- the spectacular rising (46k) of the Ariane 5 rocket was more impressive (36k) by far than any other launch I have seen
- this launch was a 100 % success (84k) and both customers are happy - we are next ;-)
- all RF and microwave equipment was routinely tested (78k) for the last time - everything in flight condition !!!
- there WAS a minor glitch with the X band TX due to testing conditions, but this bulb (45k) (!) by W5DID fixed all that ;-)
- a general view of the test bench (66k) with spectrum analysers, signal generators, scopes, power meters and power supplies
- and an overall view of the test equipment (84k) right next to the spacecraft
- even demodulated (267k sound file) and decoded (49k) (n.b.: only LASER on !) the 400 bps infrared LASER telemetry....
- ....with my OPT209 optical receiver (54k) and a G3RUH modem + software (by W4SM) !!!
- this beautiful specimen of a bat (42k) found itself into our office one night...
- waking up in the morning at sunrise wasn't too bad with this view of Devil's Island (63k) from the hotel room window !
- more photos by the AMSAT-DL official documentation specialist Wilfried Gladisch on the AMSAT-DL site
- the provisional Arianespace Launch Manifest may be checked here
