![](\"http:\/\/www.esa.int\/var\/esa\/storage\/images\/esa_multimedia\/images\/2014\/05\/exit_galileo\/14520444-1-eng-GB\/Exit_Galileo_small.jpg\")
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\nHere\u2019s how a satellite makes an exit: one of Europe\u2019s latest Galileos snapped at the point of departing ESA\u2019s test centre in the Netherlands.\n<\/p>\n
\nThe departure took place on 5 May. After several months of testing, this latest full-capability Galileo navigation satellite left along with its twin.\n<\/p>\n
\nBoth satellites were loaded aboard trucks to be driven to Frankfurt Airport in Germany. From there, they were flown to Europe\u2019s Spaceport in French Guiana<\/a> the following evening.\n<\/p>\n \nESA\u2019s centre is the largest satellite testing facility in Europe, with everything needed to recreate every aspect of the launch and space environment under one air-conditioned roof.\n<\/p>\n \nSo, before leaving this carefully controlled environment, the satellites were both placed inside their own specially designed containers, maintaining their temperature, humidity and air cleanliness within rigid limits.\n<\/p>\n \nThe two satellites will be launched together by a Soyuz later this summer.\n<\/p>\n \nGalileo satellites will continue to be tested here for flight before proceeding to South America \u2013 another had already arrived here in late April<\/a>, with another due soon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \t\t\t\t\t \nHere\u2019s how a satellite makes an exit: one of Europe\u2019s latest Galileos snapped at the point of departing ESA\u2019s test centre in the Netherlands.\n<\/p>\n \nThe departure took place on 5 May. After several months of testing, this latest full-capability Galileo navigation satellite left along with its twin.\n<\/p>\n \nBoth satellites were loaded aboard trucks to be driven to Frankfurt Airport in Germany. From there, they were flown to Europe\u2019s Spaceport in French Guiana<\/a> the following evening.\n<\/p>\n \nESA\u2019s centre is the largest satellite testing facility in Europe, with everything needed to recreate every aspect of the launch and space environment under one air-conditioned roof.\n<\/p>\n \nSo, before leaving this carefully controlled environment, the satellites were both placed inside their own specially designed containers, maintaining their temperature, humidity and air cleanliness within rigid limits.\n<\/p>\n \nThe two satellites will be launched together by a Soyuz later this summer.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n