Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV, left) approaching the International Space Station (ISS, right), artwork. This is an unmanned resupply vehicle used by

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Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV, left) approaching the International Space Station (ISS, right), artwork. This is an unmanned resupply vehicle used by the European Space Agency to supply the ISS. After being released in orbit it uses its thrusters and lasers (red) to dock with the ISS (here, with the Zvezda module). An ATV is also used to boost the ISS to reverse orbit degradation. After being loaded with waste, it separates and de-orbits, burning up in Earth's atmosphere. As of early 2012, two ATVs have been launched (Jules Verne in 2008 and Johannes Kepler in 2011) with three more planned for 2012, 2013, and 2014.

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Size: 5678px × 3118px
Photo credit: © DAVID DUCROS, ESA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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