The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
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The docking ring used by ESA’s Automated Transfer Vehicle cargo spacecraft for five missions to the International Space Station is displayed in the laboratory corridor of ESA’s technical heart in the Netherlands.
Supplied by Russia’s space agency, and carried by Russia’s own ferry craft, it is designed to work with docking ports on the Russian part of the Space Station.
The extended probe made contact with the Station’s receptor and then retracted to join the vehicles together.
Sensors on the ring detected that the interface was safely tightened, after which a set of four hooks engaged to strengthen hold of the 20-tonne ATV on the orbital complex. Four further hooks extended from the Station side for a firm grip.
Embedded within the ring are electrical and data connections so that ATV could receive power from the Station and their computers could communicate. Fluid links transferred propellants and air into the Station’s tanks.
The ring also includes the hatch for the crew to enter and unload the ferry. At the end of ATV’s mission, springs gently pushed it away from the Station without the need for firing any thrusters.
Tours of ESA’s site offered by the Space Expo visitor centre include the laboratory corridor. Space Expo also has an example of the Station side of the docking system on display.
The docking ring will also be on show to visitors during this year’s Open Day on Sunday 2 October – to register to visit, click here.