‘Jules Verne’ sets off on pioneering voyage
Published 09 March, 2008, 05:40
The first ever European-built unmanned space craft has blasted off on a mission to the ISS. The ‘Jules Verne’, which carries crucial Russian fuel among its 21-tonne cargo, has been launched successfully from the Kourou cosmodrome in French Guyana.
The Automated Transport Vehicle or ATV is named 'Jules Verne' after the French novelist, one of the most famous sci-fi writers. And just like its namesake, the carrier is set to make a notable mark in history. It will be the first European unmanned transportation vehicle. It will carry the heaviest cargo ever lifted by the most powerful version of the Ariane 5 rocket.
All in all, the ATV will deliver more than 8 tonnes of precious water, oxygen and dry cargo to the ISS.
After the 'Jules Verne' reaches the ISS, the module will use its hi-tech laser eyes for docking, and behind these eyes lie Russian brains.
The task is not going to be easy but experts say it's worth it.
“This technology is exactly what you need to get to Mars,” said John Ellwood from ESA.
The 'Jules Verne' will be an integral part of the orbital complex for six months. After that the vehicle will be filled with waste and sent back to burn up during re-entry. As long as everything goes to plan, five more ATVs will blast off by 2015.
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