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
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) will enable ESA to transport payloads to the Station. This new vehicle, scheduled for an initial test flight in 2002, will dock with the Station's Russian Service Module. It will carry a 9t payload that includes water, oxygen and propellant. Four tonnes of the propellant will be used to reboost the Station at regular intervals; another 860 kg will be transferred to the Station for attitude and orbit control. ATV will be a separate transfer vehicle with avionics and propulsion capability. Launched by Ariane-5, it will resemble a regular satellite payload protected by Ariane's fairing. Equipped with a set of engines and with solar panels, it will include a separate pressurised payload container.The first ATV will be launched in early 2002 from the Ariane-5 complex in French Guiana. Controlled from the ATV Control Centre in Europe, its docking manoeuvres will be coordinated with the Space Station Control Centre at Houston and with the Russian control centre near Moscow. [Image Date: 01-06-97] [97.06.021-004]