The automated vehicle, named Jules Verne, will execute an unmanned flight phase to reach the International Space Station and will automatically dock with the Russian service module Zvezda early April. GTD is proud to announce that it has significantly contributed to the development and manufacturing of the European Space Agency's ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle), for the prime contractor Astrium Space Transportation. ATV, which is scheduled for launch from Kourou, French Guiana, on March 9 by a special version of the Ariane 5 launcher, will deliver experiments, equipment and spare parts, as well as food, air and water to the ISS' permanent crew. The automated vehicle, named Jules Verne, will execute an unmanned flight phase to reach the International Space Station and will automatically dock with the Russian service module Zvezda early April. The ATV Jules Verne will remain in orbit for six months before re-entering and burning up in the Earth's atmosphere. GTD has played a crucial role in the ATV’s mission. Listed below are all the activities of GTD attached to ATV · On ATV vehicle: Our company has been responsible for Rendez-Vous & Docking on board software. GTD has also participated in the assembly and tests of the whole system. · On Ariane5: Several major modifications have been realized on Ariane 5 Launchpad for this very exclusive campaign. Combining proven elements from other versions, Ariane 5 ES-ATV features the EPC main cryogenic stage of the Ariane 5 ECA (with a lift capacity into GTO of 10 tonnes), topped by the EPS reignitable storable propellant stage of the Ariane 5 GS and two higher-thrust EAP solid booster stages. For this occasion, new Ariane 5 flight software had to be defined and the launcher was modified to withstand higher loads. · On Guyana Space Center: Due to the very specific mission and trajectory, Radar and Flight safety systems were significantly modified for ATV campaign. Once again, GTD plays a pivotal role in complex space missions such as the ATV Jules Verne. This launch is a major step forward. We have been working on the ATV program since 2000, leading a team of 50 system and software engineers. There will be 5 more ATV vehicles, and the next one is foreseen for a launch scheduled in late 2009. In the course of its mission to the International Space Station, the ATV will serve not only as a ‘container' for the transportation of equipment and goods, but it will also fulfil a fundamental role as a propulsion module for the orbiting structure itself. The ATV's engines will also be used to reposition the ISS several times along its mission.
