CS-2 Encapsulation starts

Spacecraft and adaptor (on a jig) ready to be lifted


... and transported towards Platform A.


After slowly moving down the SC till the the adatpor has reached its nominal place at the bottom of Platform A, CryoSat-2 is "half" encapuslated.


Last chance to remove the last red tag items
Here, Wolfgang is removing a lifting bracket.
This item as you can see was used till the very last minute for this activity.


...and install the last green tag items. Here a balance mass.
Note the use of a 10 tons crane for a few kgs cube of bronze! :-)

After this step a last careful visual inspection is performed.
A unique opportunity to see the mirrors of Laser Retro Reflector (on left) without their caps.


Then... the last part of the encapsulation can start.