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| | | | | | | Photo favourite: ATV rendezvous simulation
ATV rendezvous simulation at Val de Reuil, France
A choice from our ESA photo galleries
Tests conducted at Val de Reuil, France, to simulate the rendezvous of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) with the International Space Station (ISS). Sensors mounted on an articulated industrial robotic arm (image) acted as the ATV, whilst a 120-tonne mobile platform represented the ISS. During simulations the platform was made to approach the robotic arm in a motion identical to the one expected when the real vehicles rendezvous in space next year.
For the first time, this rendezvous test campaign has made different systems work successfully together: on the one hand, the ATV flight software, the flight sensors and the rendezvous trajectories and on the other hand, the sophisticated motion simulation hardware and software developed by ESA with Astrium ST assistance in Val de Reuil.
ATV sensors mounted on robotic arm for rendezvous simulation
The ATV rendezvous simulation was as realistic as possible - using a mock-up of the aft end of the ISS Service Module
Last update: 13 November 2006 | |
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