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ATV-3: Edoardo is hot on the heels of Jules and Johannes
25 february 2011
Third ATV is already taking shape

The third unmanned ATV European transport spacecraft for the International Space Station (ISS) is named in honour of the Italian physicist Edoardo Amaldi (1908–1989). 

The ATV is Europe’s contribution towards servicing the International Space Station. In addition to transporting fuel, gas, general supplies and scientific equipment, the ATV will also assist in maintaining the Space Station’s attitude control after docking.

The third ATV is already taking shape, with the three main parts having arrived at Astrium’s Bremen site in Germany in December 2010. This photo shows part of the ATV integration team in front of the Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) after arrival at Bremen.

ATV-3 team

The launch of Europe’s third space ferry is planned for 2012.

As prime contractor to the European Space Agency (ESA), Astrium is leader of an industrial team involving 30 main contractors from the 10 European countries participating in the ATV programme, together with Russia and the USA.

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