Ariane-5 and XMM roll out to the launch pad

Ariane-5 made its majestic journey towards the launch pad, watched by teams from ESA, Arianespace, guests and press representatives. Known as the rollout, this painstaking journey began at 11:00 local time (07:00 UT) 9 December, and takes several hours. Watching the impressive sight were the 14 children, one from each of ESA's member states, whose designs are incorporated in the new XMM logo, clearly visible on the Ariane-5 fairing for the first time.