We were invited by ESA (European Space Agency) to attend the launch of Ariane 5 flight 168 on 29 September 2005 in Kourou, French Guiana. The launch was scheduled to put in Earth orbit a payload of two satellites: Syracuse 3A and Galaxy 15. As the launch was postponed by two weeks and we were already in French Guiana, we took the opportunity to visit the facilities at Europe's Spaceport.

The 58-m high Launcher Integration Building is where the lower composite of the launcher is integrated and tested. First, the main central stage is erected on the launch table. Then, the two solid boosters are fitted to the main stage, supporting it on either side. Finally, the vehicle equipment bay and the upper stage are added on the top. The next step is to check all the electrical systems and to test the entire launcher to ensure that no leakage can take place. If the test results confirm perfect functioning then the lower composite of the launcher is moved along a rail track on its mobile launch table to the Final Assembly Building.

In the 90-m high Final Assembly Building the upper composite consisting of one or two satellites inside the Ariane fairing, is assembled on top of the lower composite to make a complete launcher. This takes about 12 days. Before being mounted on the main body of the launcher the upper composite is thoroughly checked. Once the checks are completed the upper stage and the attitude control system are filled with propellant and the Ariane 5 is ready to roll out to the launch pad on its mobile launch platform the day before launch.