ESA’s second Automated Transfer Vehicle, Johannes Kepler, has been launched into its targeted low orbit by an Ariane 5. The unmanned supply ship is planned to deliver critical supplies and reboost the International Space Station during its almost four-month mission.

This launch also marks the 200th flight of an Ariane vehicle since the debut of 24 December 1979.

Credits: Arianespace

ESA’s second Automated Transfer Vehicle, Johannes Kepler, has been launched into its targeted low orbit by an Ariane 5. The unmanned supply ship is planned to deliver critical supplies and reboost the International Space Station during its almost four-month mission.

This launch also marks the 200th flight of an Ariane vehicle since the debut of 24 December 1979.

The Ariane 5 ES lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, at 21:50:55 GMT (18:50:55 local time) on Wednesday 16 February 2011, with ESA’s second Automated Transfer Vehicle, Johannes Kepler. The unmanned supply ship is planned to deliver critical supplies and reboost the International Space Station during its almost four-month mission.

This launch also marks the 200th flight of an Ariane vehicle since the debut of 24 December 1979.