Programme managers meet the Press in Paris as launch of 'Jules Verne' ATV approaches


 
The launch of the first ATV 'Jules Verne' is rapidly approaching
 
 
22 January 2008
 
ESA PR 04-2008. The launch of the first ATV 'Jules Verne' is rapidly approaching. The 20-tonne re-supply and space-tug module will be carried into orbit by a special version of the Ariane 5 launch vehicle called the Ariane 5 Evolution Storable (ES).
 
The launcher is scheduled to lift-off from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, not earlier than 22 February next.

On Tuesday 29 January, ESA Programme managers and specialists from industry will gather at ESA Head Office in Paris and will share with the Media a thorough overview of the programme in order to take stock of the current status of the spacecraft and to lead the Media through the upcoming phases: the launch, the journey to the International Space Station, the delicate manoeuvres up to docking and the complex operations related to this very challenging mission.
 
 
The programme of the press briefing will be as follows:

10:30Doors open.
11:00ESA’s participation in the ISS, the role of the ATV in the ISS and its future outlook in exploration programmes; by Alan Thirkettle, ESA ISS Programme Manager.
11:10The ATV development, programme status, launch and mission profile; by John Ellwood, ESA ATV Mission Manager.
11:30The industrial involvement in ATV, industrial phases and main challenges, verification and testing; by Nicolas Chamussy, EADS ATV Programme Manager.
11:40The role of the astronauts in the ATV mission, operations at the ATV control centres, by Jean-Francois Clervoy, ESA Astronaut and ATV Senior Advisor.
11:50Questions and answers sessions.
12:30End of the event.

Media representatives wishing to attend the press briefing are kindly required to fill in the attached reply from and return it, preferably bay fax, to the Media Relations Office at ESA Head Office in Paris (Fax: + 33 1 5369 7690) by Monday 28 January at the latest.
 
 
For further information:
 
ESA Media Relations Office
Communication and Knowledge Department
Tel:+33(0)1.5369.7299
Fax:+33(0)1.5369.7690
 
 

 •  Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ATV/index.html)

Related articles

 •  Russian fuel flows in Jules Verne’s veins (http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM4LI3MDAF_index_0.html)
 •  Final preparations for first human-rated spacecraft to be launched from Europe's Spaceport (http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMNS6KV3AF_index_0.html)
 •  ATV operations: training the team (http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMWOF2MDAF_index_0.html)

Related links

 •  International Space Station (http://www.esa.int/esaHS/iss.html)
 •  Europe's Spaceport (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Launchers_Europe_s_Spaceport/index.html)

Related ESApod

 •  ESA's lorry to the International Space Station – ATV (http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ESApod/SEM907B474F_0.html)
 •  ATV docking trials (http://www.esa.int/esaHS/SEM4PG0CYTE_iss_0.html)

Press info

 •  Press accreditation ATV briefing (http://www.esa.int/esaCP/Pr_4_2008_p_EN.html)