Andrew Yee[_1_]
March 8th 08, 01:10 AM
ESA News
http://www.esa.int
4 March 2008
Cool animation of ATV mission scenario
A cool animation illustrating all phases of the mission scenario for
Europe's Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), Jules Verne. ATV is scheduled to
launch from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on Sunday, 9 March.
After launch, the 20.7-tonne ATV is well protected at the top of Ariane 5
during a three-minute, high-pressure aerodynamic ascent; 100 minutes after
lift-off, ATV becomes a fully automatic spacecraft navigating toward the
International Space Station (ISS).
The ATV uses its laser-guided rendezvous sensors to dock precisely and
safely with the ISS, becoming a working extension of the Station.
The 45 m3 pressurised module can deliver up to 7.2 tonnes of equipment,
fuel, food, water and air for the crew, and it will also be used to raise
the ISS altitude, which naturally decreases over time due to residual
atmospheric drag.
After 6 months, ATV, loaded with 6.5 tonnes of waste, separates from the ISS
and burns up during a guided and controlled re-entry high over the Pacific
Ocean.
[NOTE: The animation is available at
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Operations/SEMAYBK26DF_0.html ]
http://www.esa.int
4 March 2008
Cool animation of ATV mission scenario
A cool animation illustrating all phases of the mission scenario for
Europe's Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), Jules Verne. ATV is scheduled to
launch from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on Sunday, 9 March.
After launch, the 20.7-tonne ATV is well protected at the top of Ariane 5
during a three-minute, high-pressure aerodynamic ascent; 100 minutes after
lift-off, ATV becomes a fully automatic spacecraft navigating toward the
International Space Station (ISS).
The ATV uses its laser-guided rendezvous sensors to dock precisely and
safely with the ISS, becoming a working extension of the Station.
The 45 m3 pressurised module can deliver up to 7.2 tonnes of equipment,
fuel, food, water and air for the crew, and it will also be used to raise
the ISS altitude, which naturally decreases over time due to residual
atmospheric drag.
After 6 months, ATV, loaded with 6.5 tonnes of waste, separates from the ISS
and burns up during a guided and controlled re-entry high over the Pacific
Ocean.
[NOTE: The animation is available at
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Operations/SEMAYBK26DF_0.html ]