ATV training room

An ATV training facility at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany.

Over 83 astronauts have been trained on the rendezvous and docking procedures, running simulation after simulation to test their reactions to many possible scenarios in a life-size mockup to add realism.

Automated Transfer Vehicles are multi-function unmanned ferries sent into orbit by Europe’s 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.