ESA - ATV - First test for Automated Transfer Vehicle

Flight plan

ATV mission concept ATV flight phases ATV cargo capacity

Spacecraft

ATV configuration ATV Integrated Cargo Carrier ATV Service Module ATV evolution

ATV Missions

ATV-1: Jules VerneATV-2: Johannes KeplerATV-3: Edoardo AmaldiATV-4: Albert Einstein

Operations

Flight operations ATV Control Centre Crew role

Industry

ESA's role European industry

Downloads

ATV Edoardo Amaldi factsheet (pdf)ATV Edoardo Amaldi info kit English (pdf)ATV Edoardo Amaldi info kit German (pdf)ATV Edoardo Amaldi info kit French (pdf)ATV Edoardo Amaldi info kit Italian (pdf)ATV: Servicing the International Space Station (pdf)

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ATV STM tranferred to LEAF Acoustic Facility

First test for Automated Transfer Vehicle

21 December 2001
Acoustic testing of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) was successfully completed on 12 December 2001 at ESA’s test facilities in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

This 16.3 tonne test configuration of the ATV Structural Thermal Model (the actual flight launch mass is 20,5 tonnes) was transferred to the Large European Acoustic Facility (LEAF) with the help of the air cushion transfer pad.

After final preparations, four acoustic test runs were performed to a qualification level of 147 dB – which is like being directly in the exhaust jet behind a powerful aircraft engine.

Noise during launch

The ATV, an unmanned vehicle that will deliver supplies to the International Space Station, will be put into orbit by the European Ariane-5 launcher. Acoustic testing is vital to ensure the ATV can withstand the vibrations caused by the extreme noise levels generated during launch.

Testing to continue in 2002

The ATV STM was returned to the HYDRA preparation area on Monday 17 December, where it will be prepared for the next major test of the campaign, the Modal Survey, which is planned to begin at the end of January 2002.

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News articles

Initial ATV test campaign completed ahead of schedule ATV: The most challenging spacecraft ever built by Europe is taking shape Automated Transfer Vehicle test campaign underway Another module for the International Space Station leaves Turin

Technical updates

Collocation of ESA ATV management team and Prime Contractor EADS-LV: A very positive step Successful communication test for ATV

Background

ATV mission scenario - picture report ATV mission scenario - animation ATV fact sheet