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| ESA - ATV - Initial ATV test campaign completed ahead of schedule |
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Initial ATV test campaign completed ahead of schedule
25 September 2002
Transfer of the Automated Transfer Vehicle Structural Thermal Model (ATV STM) to the LEAF Acoustic Facility at ESA's test centre, ESTEC, in Noordwijk, The Netherlands (12 December 2001)
25 September 2002
Artist's impression of the Automated Transfer Vehicle approaching the International Space Station. In combination with ESA's new Ariane 5, the 20.5 t, 8.5 m-long Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) will enable Europe to transport cargo to the International Space Station. This new vehicle, scheduled for its initial test flight in September 2004, can carry 9 tonnes of scientific equipment, general supplies, water, oxygen and propellant. Up to 4 t can be propellant for ATV's own engines to reboost the Station at regular intervals as atmospheric drag reduces the orbit. Developed under Aerospatialess prime contractorship, an ATV will be launched on average every 15 months as a means of ESA contributing to the Station's operating costs. It can remain docked for up to 6 months, during which time it will be loaded with Station waste before being undocked and flown into Earth's atmosphere to burn up.
25 September 2002
In combination with ESA's new Ariane 5, 8.5 m-long Automated Transfer Vehicle (Verne) will enable Europe to transport cargo to the International Space Station. This new vehicle, scheduled for its initial test flight in October 2002, can carry 9 tonnes of scientific equipment, general supplies, water, oxygen and propellant. Up to 4 t can be propellant for ATV's own engines to reboost the Station at regular intervals as atmospheric drag reduces the orbit. Developed under Aerospatialess prime contractorship, an ATV will be launched on average every 15 months as a means of ESA contributing to the Station's operating costs. It can remain docked for up to 6 months, during which time it will be loaded with Station waste before being undocked and flown into Earth's atmosphere to burn up.
The ATV becomes an extension of the station. The 45 m3 pressurized module of the ATV delivers up to 7,2 tonnes of equipment, fuel, food, water and air for the crew.
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