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Space tugboat set for March launch |
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Wednesday, 27 February 2008 11:58 |
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EE Times
(02/12/2008 10:44 AM EST)
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PORTLAND, Ore. — The world's first space tugboat--the 'Jules Verne'
Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV)--is scheduled for launch next month
aboard the Ariane 5 launch vehicle at the European Space Agency
spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
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The 20-ton unmanned space tugboat is designed to resupply the
International Space Station, delivering supplies like air, water and
food as well as spare parts, equipment and experiment modules.
(So wouldn't that make it an OFFWORLD SUPPLY VESSEL?)The Jules Verne
was built by Astrium, an aerospace subsidiary of the European
Aeronautic Defense and Space Co., and will be placed in orbit 250 miles
above the Earth. Launch is scheduled for March 8.
 | | Artists rendering of the Jules Verne ATV, the world's first unmanned space tugboat capable of hauling nine tons of cargo.
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The fully automated vehicle will dock with the International Space
Station to transfer its cargo using the Russian Service Module
entrance. It is expected to make its first delivery in April after a
series of maneuvers designed to demonstrate its automated navigation
abilities.
The Jules Verne will remain attached to the Space Station for six
months, during which astronauts will reload it with 6.3 tons of waste
material, after which it will reenter the Earth's atmosphere where it
will burn up.
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