Galileo satellites inside launch fairing

Europe's fifth and sixth Galileo satellites were encapsulated within their protective launch fairing on 15 August 2014, preparing for their launch by Soyuz on Thursday 21 August. The satellites, resting side by side on their specially designed dispenser system, were first attached to the Fregat upper stage which will transport them most of the way to their final orbit. The operation took place at building S3B of the Guiana Space Centre.