OREANDA-NEWS. August 03, 2009. Preparations for the August Proton M launch with AsiaSat -5 spacecraft continue on schedule. Following  completion of assembling the Ascent Unit (consisting of the spacecraft mated to the Breeze M upper stage and encapsulated inside the fairings), works began for the AsiaSat-5 integration on its three-stages Proton vehicle.

The AU was mechanically mated with the Proton rocket yesterday. Now all systems of the fully integrated Proton LV are being check out.

In the next few days the ILV  will be prepared for rollout from its integration and test facility  to Baikonur's fuelling station for fuelling the Upper stage (low pressure tanks).