ATV Albert Einstein ‘s launch adapter that is used to connect the spacecraft with its launcher is lowered into position at Europe’s Spaceport, Kourou, French Guiana.
Automated Transfer Vehicles (ATV) are multi-purpose unmanned ferries delivered to orbit by Europe’s Ariane 5 launcher. Each spacecraft can deliver up to 7 tonnes of cargo to the International Space Station, including supplies and equipment, water, air, nitrogen, oxygen and fuel.