The ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle), for which Astrium is industrial prime contractor, left the port of Rotterdam (Netherlands) on 17 July 2007 bound for Kourou, French Guiana.
The ATV is Europe’s contribution towards servicing the International Space Station. In addition to transporting fuel, water, gas, general supplies and scientific equipment, the ATV will also assist in maintaining the Space Station’s attitude control after docking.
Launch is planned from Kourou at the end of January 2008 on an Ariane 5.
