ATV-4 VNR

Albert Einstein, the fourth of ESA's Automated Transfer Vehicles in a series of 5, awaits launch to the International Space Station onboard an Ariane 5. Filled to capacity, it's the heaviest spacecraft carried by this launcher to date. After an automated docking procedure overseen by ESA's Luca Parmitano - who'll be onboard the ISS - Albert Einstein's cargo of vital supplies will be unloaded. It'll remain attached until October, before undocking and burning up over the Pacific Ocean. ESA's ATV will shortly be adapted to function as the service module on NASA's Orion crew vehicle.