Ariane 5 ES ATV

From this orbit the ATV will use its own propulsion system to automatically reach and dock with the International Space Station (ISS) and provide logistic support to the on-orbit infrastructure. The maiden flight of the Ariane 5 ES ATV is planned for 2008 with the first ATV (Jules Verne) mission to the ISS.

The Ariane 5 ES ATV is derived from the Ariane 5 G+ and Ariane 5 ECA versions. It is composed of the same lower composite as Ariane 5 ECA and will use the EAP boosters identical to those of the Ariane 5 ECA version and the same cryogenic main stage equipped with the Vulcain 2 improved engine. The upper composite is composed of a new reinforced vehicle equipment bay (VEB) to withstand flight loads with the ATV and a re-ignitable storable propulsion stage (EPS). EPS re-ignition capability has been incorporated to maximise the launcher's performance into the target orbit and to fulfil the mission requirements.

A first EPS ignition takes place immediately following the separation of the cryogenic main stage (EPC). The EPS engine is then cut-off and the composite VEB-EPS-ATV commences a ballistic phase of about 45 minutes, at the end of which a second EPS ignition occurs for a short duration before the ATV is separated and injected into the target Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

A third and last ignition is then carried out to enable the nearly empty VEB-EPS composite to safely re-enter the Earth's atmosphere. There it safely destructs in the upper layers of the atmosphere.  
 

*Low Earth orbit (260 x 260 km, 51.6˚ inclination)

** The ATV will supply the ISS with pressurized cargo, water, air, nitrogen and oxygen, and attitude control propellant. It will also be used to remove waste from the station and to re-boost the ISS to a higher altitude to compensate for atmospheric drag.