Lift Off Approaches for Jules Verne

Until now, astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) have relied upon American or Russian spacecraft to deliver their supplies. This is about to change with the maiden launch of ESA’s Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). Named after Jules Verne, a famous French science fiction writer, the first ATV is expected to lift off from Kourou, French Guiana, on 8 March at 05:28 CET (01:28 local time).

The massive supply ship weighs nearly 20 tonnes and is the size of a double decker bus. Built by EADS-Astrium, it will be carried into orbit by a special version of Europe’s Ariane 5 launcher. Loaded inside the cylindrical spacecraft will be some 9 tonnes of cargo for delivery to the ISS as it orbits 400 km above the Earth. This shipment will include scientific experiments, equipment and spare parts, as well as food, air and water for the Station’s crew.

A great deal of time and effort has gone into making the ATV the most advanced automated spacecraft ever flown. A new, high-precision navigation and docking system will be tested thoroughly as it guides the ATV towards the Station. If all goes according to plan, Jules Verne will automatically dock with the Station’s Russian Service Module in early April. It will remain there as a pressurised part of the station for up to six months.

In addition to resupplying the Station, the ATV will be used to raise the orbit of the ISS. Filled with over 6 tonnes of rubbish, it will end its life by burning up during a controlled re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.