Space courier - The Astrium-developed and built ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle), for the European Space Agency (ESA) is the largest spacecraft ever built in Europe

摘要

The ATV is a supply ship or space transport vehicle designed to ferry supplies of water, fuel, provisions and scientific equipment to the International Space Station (ISS). After being launched into space on board a special version of the Ariane 5 ES, the ATV will navigate its own way to its docking rendezvous with the ISS, with the support of data communication links with the ISS and the Russian space station MIR. Once docked, it can remain in place for six months. During this time, the ATV will perform the second part of its mission, namely to correct the gradual loss of altitude in the ISS's trajectory, using its 32 thrust motors and the four metric tons of fuel it will carry as part of its payload. At the end of its mission, it will be loaded with waste from the space station and allowed to disintegrate as it returns through the Earth's atmosphere. The debris will fall into the South Pacific Ocean.