...entering its final preparation phase for a planned Ariane 5 launch this spring from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Built by Astrium as prime contractor and named after Albert Einstein, the ATV-4 is being processed in the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation building.

Astrium-built ATV-4, Europe’s next resupply spacecraft, enters final preparations for its Ariane 5 launch

Following its final preparations, ATV ‘Albert Einstein’ will be moved to the Spaceport’s launcher integration building, where the large spacecraft is to be integrated atop an Ariane 5.

Weighing approximately 20 metric tons at launch, the series of Automated Transfer Vehicles are developed in a European program for resupply and servicing of the ISS, and they rendezvous with the orbital facility after being deployed by Ariane 5.

Produced by an Astrium-led industry team for the European Space Agency, this latest ATV will carry some 6,270 kg of fuel, water, air, oxygen and dry cargo to the space station. Additionally, ATVs are used to adjust the ISS’ orbital altitude and make manoeuvres to avoid collisions with space debris.

Photos © ESA–CNES–Arianespace–Optique Vidéo du CSG