Running on Empty
But not for too much longer! It’s time to fuel the spacecraft.
After the Saturday night dinner festivities, it didn't take long to get back to the business of preparing the satellite for launch. The Lockheed mechanical team arrived at work on Sunday and began to prepare the AMC-14 spacecraft for fueling operations. This is essentially a four day operation and is one of the more hazardous operations that are performed out here in Area 95. The reason for the hazardous condition is the fact that it will be loaded with over 2 tons of fuel; lots of hydrazine and lots of oxidizer.
The team spent a very quiet day 1 reviewing the operational procedures, making sure all precautionary tasks were performed and in place, and that all essential personnel were ready to support the fueling operations.
On Day 2, personnel at building 92A-50 were reduced to a minimum, as only essential personnel are permitted in the area to support the load. Despite not being in the building, all teams were monitoring the progress of the prop load team from the various hotels. And true to form, the load went flawlessly and according to schedule.
Some of the other team members took advantage of the fact that the operations building was closed by hopping on the bus and heading into the town of Baikonur. While braving the weather, some of the gang walked the town and got a chance to hit the local Pizza Restaurant, Palermo's. It was a great day to get away from the Cosmodrome and sample some of the local food and shops.
As for the prop load team, it was barbecue time again!
