Jules Verne ATV launched by ESA

Mar 9 2008, 1:58am CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Watch out NASA, here comes ESA. Th European Space Agency successfully launched the new Jules Verne ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) into orbit today.

Jules Verne is designed to supply the International Space Station (ISS). The ATV is the very first spacecraft in the world designed to conduct automated docking in full compliance with the very tight safety constraints imposed by human spaceflight operations. It features high accuracy navigation systems and a flight software far more complex than that used on Ariane 5.

ESA launched the new 20 ton ATV with an Airane rocket from Guiana Space Center today.Jules Verne ATV is now circling the Earth in the same orbital plane as the ISS but at an altitude of only 260 km, compared to 345 km for the Station.

After having demonstrated safety maneuvers in free flight, the ATV will perform orbital ‘phasing’ maneuvers in order to rendezvous with the ISS for a first docking slot scheduled for April 3rd after the departure of NASA’s Space Shuttle Endeavour.

jules Verne ATV ESA
Via the ESA site.

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Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi is the founding chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at ml@i4u.com. Luigi posts regularly on LuigiMe.com about his experience running I4U.