23-29 Oct. Stand alone operations for Thales and KhSC. Thales performed electrical and mechanical SC checkouts and validated the fueling support equipment in Hall 103A. In parallel, KhSC worked in Hall 101 preparing for the PLA and separation system arrival (27 Oct) and the Breeze M arrival (30 Oct). After cleaning and electrical checkouts, the PLF halves are in storage in Hall 101 waiting for installation after the orbital unit is mated on the tilter. In Hall 111, KhSC finished LV pneumatic tests and will setup the electrical test configuration. RUAG specialists arrived on 27 Oct to prepare the separation system for the fitcheck on 30 Oct. 30 Oct. Fitcheck In preparation for the fitcheck, KhSC transported the PLA and separation system into Hall 103A on 29 Oct. On 30 Oct. after a pre-operation and safety meeting, Thales hoisted the SC and the operations began ([url=http://www.ilslaunch.com/assets/galleries/W7-Gallery/SC-hoisting.jpg]See photo: SC hoisting[/url]). By the end of the day, RUAG had measured, tensioned, measured again, and confirmed that things fit right into place ([url=http://www.ilslaunch.com/assets/galleries/W7-Gallery/KhSC-and-RUAG-Fitcheck.jpg]See photo: KhSC and RUAG Fitcheck[/url]). While across town, the Breeze M Upper Stage moved to the fueling station for its two days of loading. The Breeze M will be installed on the tilter on 3 Nov and begin full cycle testing. With the fitcheck complete, the Breeze M partially fuelled and the PLA back in Hall 101, the SC will finish stand alone operations before the authorization is given by Eutelsat to proceed with propellant loading operations (3 and 5 Nov).

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