Unmanned Jules Verne vehicle docks with space station
Jules Verne ATV approaches the International Space Station
Thursday, 03, Apr 2008 04:50
The unmanned Jules Verne automated transfer vehicle (ATV) has successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS).
The ATV is the first for the European Space Agency (ESA) and its success paves the way for future unmanned vehicles to deliver crucial supplies to the orbiting outpost.
Jules Verne docked with the ISS' Zvezda service module at 15:45 BST using a laser-guided rendezvous system.
It carries more than 7,500 pounds of equipment, water, fuel and gases for the station.
The ATV will stay at the ISS for four months and will be filled with station waste and discards.
It will then detach before burning up upon re-entry to the Earth's atmosphere.
A further six ATVs could be built if the mission is a success.
"The ATV is so much more than a simple delivery truck, it is an intelligent and versatile spaceship which has just demonstrated its extraordinary skills," said Daniel Sacotte, ESA's director for human spaceflight, microgravity and exploration.
"It is the largest and most complex spacecraft ever developed in Europe and the second in size of all the vehicles visiting the station, after Nasa's space shuttle. With Columbus and the ATV, we have entered the major league of the ISS."
ESA director general Jean-Jacques Dordain added: "The docking of the ATV is a new and spectacular step in the demonstration of European capabilities on the international scene of space exploration.
"Now that the ATV is 'up and running', I am happy to announce that in the next few weeks ESA will launch a recruitment campaign to hire new European astronauts."