The Space Fellowship: Europe’s Automated Transport Vehicle is readied for its Ariane 5 launch to support the International Space Station

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Europe’s Automated Transport Vehicle is readied for its Ariane 5 launch to support the International Space Station

Preparations are intensifying for Arianespace’s milestone launch of the Automated Transport Vehicle (ATV), with the mission’s Ariane 5 delivered to French Guiana, and loading of the spacecraft’s dry cargo and water now completed. The European-developed ATV will be lofted in 2008 by an Ariane 5 ES version of Arianespace’s workhorse launcher. After cruising then docking with the International Space Station, the ATV will deliver its payload of equipment, food, fuel, water and oxygen for the orbital facility’s crew.