The Automated Transfer Vehicle

The ATV uses up to 4.7 tonnes of propellant to raise the ISS altitude which naturally decreases with the residual atmospheric drag. In combination with ESA's new Ariane 5, 8.5 m-long Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) will enable Europe to transport cargo to the International Space Station. The 45 m³ pressurized module of the ATV delivers up to 7,2 tonnes of equipment, fuel, food, water and air for the crew.