WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE

A Helios spacecraft prototype was encapsulated in its payload fairing in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility [SAEF] here today. A flight version of the West German-built solar probe will be launched aboard a Titan/Centaur from Complex 41. The prototype is to be moved to Complex 41 for mating with the Titan/Centaur in early October. It will be removed and returned to the SAEF after completion of the Titan/Centaur terminal countdown demonstration in late October.