Ariane 5 is Readied for its February Launch With the Automated Transfer Vehicle

(January 17, 2008) -- The launch vehicle for Arianespace's upcoming milestone mission has completed its basic buildup at the Spaceport in French Guiana as preparations move ahead for Ariane 5's first ever flight with a human-rated payload.

Teams from prime contractor Astrium Space Transportation have fitted the Ariane 5 ES with its Vehicle Equipment Bay and EPS upper stage during activity performed in the Spaceport's Launcher Integration Building.

Once these elements have completed their installation and validation process, Ariane 5 will be ready for transfer to the Final Integration Building - where Astrium Space Transportation will deliver it to Arianespace for installation of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) payload.

The European ATV is a key re-supply spacecraft for the International Space Station, carrying equipment, systems, food, water, and propellant to the orbital facility. Launch of the no. 1 ATV - which is named "Jules Verne" in honor of France's visionary 19th century science fiction writer - is targeted for the second half of February, with a liftoff mass of 19.4 metric tons.

As the Ariane 5 ES is readied for delivery to Arianespace, the ATV is undergoing its fueling process at the Spaceport's S5 payload preparation facility. Fueling began on January 8, and will continue through early February.

The Ariane 5 ES mission with ATV is Arianespace's first of 2008. A total of seven to eight flights are planned this year using the workhorse launcher.

Source : Arianespace

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