The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) is not only the biggest, most complex spacecraft ever developed and built in Europe, but is also the first vehicle in the world designed to execute rendez-vous and operational docking in fully automated mode. Despite its mass of nearly 20 tonnes and 22 metre span, the ATV is so precise that it can dock autonomously with the International Space Station (ISS) at a speed of 28,000 km/h and with a precision of less than 10 cm. Launched by a specially adapted version of the Ariane rocket, this technological jewel carries over seven tonnes of freight to the ISS. Photo courtesy of Astrium

Kourou - February 16, 2011

At 9:50 p.m. (GMT), Ariane 5 launched the ATV Johannes Kepler into orbit.

Ariane 5 launched the ATV Johannes Kepler into orbit. Photo courtesy of Astrium

Weighing in at 20.1 tonnes, this second ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) is the heaviest object to be launched into space by an Ariane 5.

16 February 2011: The ATV-2 “Johannes Kepler” is bound for the International Space Station. Alain Charmeau, CEO of Astrium Space Transportation said “Today, we celebrate two major accomplishments for Astrium: the 200th flight of an Ariane, and the launch of a second ATV on a pre-programmed route to the International Space Station”. Photo courtesy of Astrium

Accomplishing such a feat required a special version of the Ariane 5, which was developed and manufactured by Astrium.

16 February 2011: The ATV-2 “Johannes Kepler” is bound for the International Space Station. Photo courtesy of Astrium

The Ariane 5 ES has an EPS re-ignitable upper stage, a reinforced equipment bay and a flight program that was redeveloped for this specific mission.

ATV-2 “Johannes Kepler” ready for take-off. An exceptional launch: Ariane’s 200th flight. Photo courtesy of Astrium

Alain Charmeau, CEO of Astrium Space Transportation, recently confirmed that
“the re-ignitable upper stage has perfectly positioned the ATV in its intended orbit.”

ACES contract signature. Alain Charmeau (L), CEO of Astrium Space Transportation, Michael Menking (C), Director of Orbital Systems at Astrium Space Transportation and Simonetta di Pippo (R), ESA Director for Human Space Flight, have signed a contract for the full development of the Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES) for the International Space Station (ISS). Photo courtesy of Astrium

Alain Charmeau went on to express his delight with this latest successful launch:
“This is the biggest event in space this year, and we have the teams at Astrium to thank for it. It was also the 42nd successful launch in a row for Ariane 5, for which Astrium is prime contractor. Today, we celebrate two major accomplishments for Astrium: the 200th flight of an Ariane, and the launch of a second ATV on a pre-programmed route to the International Space Station. Both these major programs conducted by the European space industry are under Astrium’s responsibility. Both make use of the most cutting-edge technology that currently exists. And both are made possible by government support.”

16 February 2011: The ATV-2 “Johannes Kepler” is bound for the International Space Station. Photo courtesy of Astrium

The mission of the ATV Johannes Kepler has only begun, as it will soon be embarking on the complicated phase when it will rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS) and perform a docking manoeuvre.

16 February 2011: The ATV-2 “Johannes Kepler” is bound for the International Space Station. Photo courtesy of Astrium

At that point, the ATV will become a fully integrated, inhabited module of the ISS.

The Johannes Kepler is the first of four series-produced ATVs ordered from Astrium by the European Space Agency (ESA). Photo courtesy of Astrium

Production is underway at Astrium on the next ATVs


The Johannes Kepler is the first of four series-produced ATVs ordered from Astrium by the European Space Agency (ESA).

The Johannes Kepler is the first of four series-produced ATVs ordered from Astrium by the European Space Agency (ESA). Photo courtesy of Astrium

“The ATV 3 ‘Edoardo Amaldi’ has already made significant progress. We have also begun work on the ATV 4, and the initial structures of the ATV 5 have been delivered. We have also submitted an offer to ESA for other ATVs. We hope to get the green light for these projects this year if the decision is confirmed to extend the International Space Station programme to the year 2020,”
said Mr. Charmeau.

The Johannes Kepler is the first of four series-produced ATVs ordered from Astrium by the European Space Agency (ESA). Photo courtesy of Astrium

But the adventure in space has just begun for Europe.

The Johannes Kepler is the first of four series-produced ATVs ordered from Astrium by the European Space Agency (ESA). Photo courtesy of Astrium

“We must build on the enormous amount of skills acquired by European industry and by Astrium in the ATV programme to develop Europe’s future space programs,” concluded Mr. Charmeau.

The Johannes Kepler is the first of four series-produced ATVs ordered from Astrium by the European Space Agency (ESA). Photo courtesy of Astrium

A special dossier full of informative articles and videos has been created about the ATV ‘Johannes Kepler’.

At the International Space Station. Photo courtesy of Astrium

About Astrium


Astrium, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services.

In 2009, Astrium had a turnover of €4.8 billion and more than 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands.

Its three main areas of activity are Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and Astrium Services for comprehensive end-to-end value-added solutions covering secure and commercial satcoms and networks, high security satellite communications equipment, bespoke geo-information and navigation services worldwide.

EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services.

In 2009, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 42.8 billion and employed a workforce of more than 119,000.


Press contacts:

Daniel Mosely (Astrium UK)
Tel.: +44 (0)1 438 77 8180

Matthieu Duvelleroy (Astrium FR)
Tel.: +33 (0) 1 77 75 80 32

Ralph Heinrich (Astrium GER)
Tel.: +49 (0) 89 607 33971

Francisco Lechón (Astrium SP)
Tel.: +34 91 586 37 41


SOURCE: Astrium

http://www.astrium.eads.net/  

http://www.astrium.eads.net/en/media-library/atv-2-johannes-kepler.html  



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