Jules Verne ATV atop launcher


Fairing lowered over Jules Verne ATV
 
Jules Verne, the first Automated Transfer Vehicle, has been integrated and encapsulated under its huge fairing on top of its Ariane 5 launcher. With a total mass of about 19 360 kg, Jules Verne is the largest payload ever launched by Ariane 5. The historical mission with the first European space supplier for the ISS is scheduled for a night time launch on 8 March at 01:23 local time in French Guiana (04.23 UT).

Fairing lowered over Jules Verne ATV
 
Jules Verne, the first Automated Transfer Vehicle, has been integrated and encapsulated under its huge fairing on top of its Ariane 5 launcher. With a total mass of about 19 360 kg, Jules Verne is the largest payload ever launched by Ariane 5. The historical mission with the first European space supplier for the ISS is scheduled for a night time launch on 8 March at 01:23 local time in French Guiana (04.23 UT).

Jules Verne is prepared for launch
 
Jules Verne ATV is lowered into place on the Separation and Distancing Cylinder (SDC) in the Final Assembly Building at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The Ariane 5 ES will lift ESA's first Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) into orbit. ATV will bring new supplies to the International Space Station. It will also be used to reboost the Station's orbit. (14 February 2008)

ATV approaching the International Space Station
 
Preview of the maiden launch and docking of ESA's Jules Verne ATV.

Jules Verne will be lifted into space on board an Ariane 5 launch vehicle.



Release date: 29 February 2008