Gaia Launch at ESOC

I am very thankful that I have been invited to the European Space Operations Center in Darmstadt to join the official launch event for the ESA Gaia mission. Here are some pictures. All in all it was a very cool event, although it was more press than science oriented.

Main entrance
Main entrance
Ariane model
Ariane model
Some satellite in one of the buildings
Some satellite in one of the buildings
"Our" Gaia satellite as 1:4 model
“Our” Gaia satellite as 1:4 model
ESOC Controll Room, picture of picture
ESOC Control Room, picture of picture
Sunshield deployed ... so we could drive home with a good feeling.
Sunshield deployed … so we could drive home with a good feeling.