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Azores joins ESA's tracking network in readiness for ATV launch

31 October 2005

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A platform and associated infrastructure is being set up on Santa Maria Island's Monte das Flores (Hill of Flowers)in the Azores to host an ESA mobile tracking station. This new station will be part of the network of tracking stations used to track launches from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. The tracking station will come into service to track next year's launch to the International Space Station of ESA's Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) resupply vehicle, Jules Verne.

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The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) is the first fully automatic re-supply spacecraft of its kind. ESA's Jules Verne ATV is the first European space supplier for the ISS. It was launched 9 March 2008 from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Credits: ESA - D.Ducros

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The inauguration ceremony for ESA's new tracking station site in the Azores took place on 24 October 2005. The event was attended by dignataries including Carlos César, the President of the Regional Government of the Azores (centre) and Antonio Fabrizi, ESA Director of Launchers (second from right).

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The most southerly island of the Azores, Santa Maria was first discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1427.

Credits: ESA

A dedicated Ariane 5 to launch Jules Verne ESA issues first Jules Verne payload list