Launch preparations are drawing to a close at the Dombarovski Cosmodrome near the small Russian town of Yasny. The Picard and PRISMA satellites were encapsulated under the Dnepr launcher fairing today, Friday, in readiness for launch scheduled on 15 June.

The upper composite of the Dnepr launch vehicle with the Picard and PRISMA satellites was transferred this Tuesday to the launch silo. Initial electrical tests have begun and will continue in the days ahead. The 2 satellites are now patiently awaiting lift-off in the silo until launch day on 15 June.