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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Shortly before the docking of ATV Georges Lemaître on 12 August 2014, ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst was pictured manually checking the approach speed of the massive cargo vessel. This failsafe method involves holding a simple plastic ruler against the screen and helps ensure a safe docking.
The ATV – Automated Transfer Vehicle – is designed to dock without human intervention. In the picture, ATV-5 is seen only a few short metres from the International Space Station. If ATV had approached too quickly, Alexander could have manually stopped the docking. The large red button seen on the docking control panel is the abort button. If used, it would send a signal to ATV to activate its thrusters, which would immediately push the vehicle away from the ISS. This is a critical moment during docking, and requires the human element to supervise the automated process.
ATV-5 made its docking at 15:30 CEST, with bull’s-eye precision and no need for any intervention. It is the last ATV to be sent to the International Space Station.
It will remain docked for about five months, providing supplies, fuel, air and scientific equipment and periodically reboosting the Station.