In Oktober 2008 (13. - 25.10.) finally the time had come. All parts had been sent to the Esrange Rocket test range in northern Sweden (Lapland), from here MIRIAM was to be launched to space on top of Rexus 4. The Esrange is operated by the Swedish Space Corporation (SSC), Rexus 4 was built in cooperation with Eurolaunch, a consortium of DLR Moraba in Oberpfaffenhofen and SSC.
Esrange panorama with balloon launch area and rocket launch pads
The Esrange
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On the Esrange there is an accomodation for the launch crews - named Hotel Aurora, with sauna, gym, kitchen etc.. Therefore it is not necessary to travel the long way from Kiruna to Esrange each day. Furthermore in the main building breakfast is served and during the week also lunch, whereas the international food of the Esrange canteen is very good.
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MIRIAM integration and launch
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After miscellaneous problems with the rocket and some worrying about worsening weather conditions - the forecasts for the following days were bad - it was decided that the test countdown and the hot countdown would be done on the same day. To the delight of everyone this worked out beautifully.
Rexus 4 lifted off from the Esrange on the 22.10.2008 at 14:30 h local time, with a picture perfect launch.
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