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.


Via the ESA site.