ATV, multi-function ship

European cargo spacecraft docking at ISS International Space Station on April 3 has completed its mission. Currently, astronauts are using this spacecraft effectively.

Launched on March 9, the ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) is Europe's first cargo spacecraft. Weighing 200 tons, Jules Verne is connected to the international space station on April 3 last. After liberating the goods and being doubled in the orbit of the station, at present, ATV ships become logistics centers and operate under the supervision of ISS.

Indeed, for astronauts, it is a preference: an additional 48 cubic meters of private space compared to the tightness of the executive compartment. So they were eager to turn this European spacecraft into an "office" for sleeping and bathing. Last April, the ATV was launched along with the first South Korean astronaut, Yi So-yeon, to perform nanotechnology experiments during an 11-day journey.

ATV - Automated Transfer Vehicle - Automatic transfer ship.(Photo: NASA)

In early June, the Jules Verne satellite engines were carefully reheated (within 400 ms) to check the operation of the Space Station after installing a new module - the lab. Japanese Kibo. Because there is very little fuel left, satellites will stay an extra month to operate the extra "reboost" during the summer.

At the end of the mission, 6.3 tons of ISS waste will be put into ATV. Soon ATV will be separated from the station, flying towards the earth and will be burned as soon as it enters the atmosphere. ATV's duties must be completed every 18 months and it plays a key role in ISS supplies programs. The launch of these four satellites was programmed by ESA between 2009 and 2013.