ATV-4 lifted for integration

The first feeling of flight for ATV Albert Einstein as its pressurised module is suspended at Europe's Spaceport, Kourou, French Guiana in preparation to integrate it with the rest of the spacecraft.  After launched on an Ariane 5 it will fly 400 km high to the International Space Station for a mission lasting over six months. 

The pressurised module is used to store cargo and, once docked with the Station, it becomes a temporary habitable module. 

Automated Transfer Vehicles (ATV) are multi-function unmanned ferries sent into orbit by the European Ariane 5 launcher. Each spacecraft can deliver up to 7 tonnes of cargo to the International Space Station including supplies and equipment, water, air, nitrogen, oxygen and fuel.