Automated Transfer Vehicle
00:00
The International Space Station is already the biggest structure ever launched into space. Once completed, it will be a permanent home to seven astronauts, who will work, eat and sleep just like anybody here on Earth. Of course it is not a five star hotel but what a view.
00:17
On average, astronauts stay on the ISS for three to four months. The human needs in orbit are not different than on earth. The astronauts need air to breathe, water to drink, clothes, food, and many more items, in addition to the experimental facilities and samples in the centre of their work. These consumables are carried to the ISS by Russian Progress vessels, the US Shuttle, and soon also by ESA's Automated Transfer Vehicle, or ATV.
00:50
IN O-TON J?rg Feustel-B?echel ESA Director MSM speaking in German
We are right in middle of the development stage of ATV and in September 2004 we will have the first operational flight on Ariane 5
00:58
The ATV is Europe's main contribution to the day-

Automated Transfer Vehicle
00:00
The International Space Station is already the biggest structure ever launched into space. Once completed, it will be a permanent home to seven astronauts, who will work, eat and sleep just like anybody here on Earth. Of course it is not a five star hotel but what a view.
00:17
On average, astronauts stay on the ISS for three to four months. The human needs in orbit are not different than on earth. The astronauts need air to breathe, water to drink, clothes, food, and many more items, in addition to the experimental facilities and samples in the centre of their work. These consumables are carried to the ISS by Russian Progress vessels, the US Shuttle, and soon also by ESA's Automated Transfer Vehicle, or ATV.
00:50
IN O-TON J?rg Feustel-B?echel ESA Director MSM speaking in German
We are right in middle of the development stage of ATV and in September 2004 we will have the first operational flight on Ariane 5
00:58
The ATV is Europe's main contribution to th