ATV Albert Einstein’s cargo module being joined to the avionics and propulsion modules at Europe’s Spaceport, Kourou, French Guiana. The pressurised cargo section contains the docking port and can be used by astronauts on the International Space Station as temporary work space.
Automated Transfer Vehicles (ATV) are multi-function unmanned ferries sent into orbit by the European 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.