ATV-3 Edoardo’s support service for the ISS
20 march 2012
The ATV, designed and built by Astrium, is the most intelligent space robot flying today.
The ATV ‘Edoardo Amaldi’ is the third unmanned European freight spacecraft for the International Space Station (ISS).
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The ATV is Europe’s contribution towards servicing the ISS. In addition to transporting fuel, gas, general supplies and scientific equipment, the ATV also assists in maintaining the Space Station’s attitude control after docking.
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It is the biggest, most complex spacecraft ever developed and built in Europe. The 20-tonne space freighter is so precise that it can dock completely autonomously with the ISS at a speed of 28,000 km/h and with an accuracy of better than 10 cm.
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Loading late cargo is a finely calculated operation
Read moreA look at just some of the many and varied items travelling to the ISS
Read moreAstrium’s ATV Programme Director Wolfgang Paetsch explains the voyage of the ATV to reach the ISS.
Read more
The ATV, satellite communications system, ground control centres, ISS and its crew – all in perfect harmony
Read moreHandling more than seven tonnes of propellant is a physically demanding job that requires specialist expertise
Read more
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Programmes
Lifeline to Earth. The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) ferries propellants, food, water and…
In order to be able to support the astronauts in the assembly and maintenance of exterior station…
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