Ariane 5's largest payload ever has been integrated on the launch vehicle, taking Arianespace's upcoming historic mission with the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) one step closer to its March 8 liftoff. The integration process at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana began late last week, and was concluded with the spacecraft's power-up this weekend atop the launcher.
The European-built resupply spacecraft is to deliver propellant, oxygen, equipment, systems, food and water to the International Space Station. On its initial flight, the ATV has a liftoff mass of more than 19 metric tons.
Checkout of the ATV was completed in the clean room area of Ariane 5's Final Assembly Building. The payload was then hoisted to the building's upper level, where it was positioned for integration atop the launcher.
The ATV's liftoff on March 8 is planned at 1:23 a.m. local time in French Guiana. After its launch by Ariane 5, the ATV's high-precision navigation system will guide it to the International Space Station, with docking planned in early April.
This upcoming Ariane 5 flight will be the first of seven scheduled by Arianespace in 2008, meeting a growing international demand for the company's commercial launch services.
