Program Overview
The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) was a series of uncrewed European spacecraft developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). Launched between 2008 and 2014, the ATV program consisted of five missions, each delivering cargo, fuel, water, air, and scientific equipment to support ISS operations. The ATV was Europe's most significant contribution to the ISS and demonstrated autonomous docking capabilities and advanced orbital servicing technologies.

Objectives
The ATV program supported multiple mission goals:

  • Deliver pressurized cargo and essential supplies such as food, clothing, and equipment for the ISS crew.
  • Transfer fuel, water, and oxygen to the station's storage tanks.
  • Provide reboost capability to maintain the ISS’s orbital altitude.
  • Serve as a waste disposal vehicle by burning up during controlled atmospheric reentry.

Key Details
- Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5 ES
- Launch Site: Centre Spatial Guyanais, Kourou, French Guiana
- Docking Port: Russian Zvezda service module (aft port)
- Docking Method: Autonomous rendezvous and docking via GPS and laser ranging
- First Launch: March 9, 2008 (ATV-1 "Jules Verne")
- Final Launch: July 29, 2014 (ATV-5 "Georges Lemaître")

Specifications
- Length: 10.3 meters
- Diameter: 4.5 meters
- Launch Mass: ~20,000 kg
- Cargo Capacity: Up to 7,667 kg (combined pressurized and unpressurized)

Missions
1. ATV-1 Jules Verne (2008)
2. ATV-2 Johannes Kepler (2011)
3. ATV-3 Edoardo Amaldi (2012)
4. ATV-4 Albert Einstein (2013)
5. ATV-5 Georges Lemaître (2014)

Outcomes and Legacy
The ATV program successfully completed all five missions, providing vital logistics and demonstrating autonomous flight and docking technologies. Its legacy continues in future ESA contributions, including NASA’s Orion service module, for which ATV technologies have been adapted. The program also laid the foundation for European participation in future deep space logistics and servicing missions.

ATV-1
ATV-1

Mission Overview
ATV-1, named "Jules Verne" in honor of the pioneering French science fiction author, was the inaugural mission of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) program. Launched on March 9, 2008, its primary objectives were to demonstrate autonomous rendezvous and docking capabilities with the International Space Station (ISS) and deliver essential supplies to support ISS operations. This mission marked Europe's significant contribution to ISS logistics and showcased advanced autonomous spacecraft operations. [Source: European Space Agency]

Objectives
The key goals of the ATV-1 mission included: Validating the ATV's autonomous navigation, rendezvous, and docking systems with the ISS. Delivering a mix of dry cargo, propellant, water, and gases to the ISS. Reboosting the ISS's orbit to counteract atmospheric drag. Safely disposing of waste material from the ISS through controlled atmospheric re-entry.

Key Details
- Launch Date: March 9, 2008
- Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5 ES
- Launch Site: Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana
- Docking Date: April 3, 2008
- Undocking Date: September 5, 2008
- Deorbit and Re-entry: September 29, 2008

Cargo Delivered
- Dry Cargo: Approximately 1,150 kg of equipment, food, clothing, and other supplies for the ISS crew.
- Propellant: Around 860 kg for ISS refueling.
- Water: About 280 kg of potable water.
- Gases: Approximately 21 kg of oxygen.

Mission Highlights
- Autonomous Docking: On April 3, 2008, Jules Verne successfully docked with the ISS's Zvezda module, demonstrating Europe's capability for automated spacecraft operations. [Source: European Space Agency]
- Orbital Reboosts: The ATV performed multiple reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag. [Source: European Space Agency]
- Waste Disposal: After completing its mission, Jules Verne was loaded with waste from the ISS. It undocked on September 5, 2008, and performed a controlled deorbit, re-entering Earth's atmosphere on September 29, 2008, where it burned up over the Pacific Ocean. [Source: European Space Agency]

Outcomes
The successful completion of the ATV-1 mission validated the ATV's design and operational concepts, paving the way for subsequent missions. It demonstrated ESA's ability to contribute significantly to ISS logistics and operations, and the technologies developed have influenced future spacecraft designs.

ATV-2
ATV-2

Mission Overview
ATV-2, named "Johannes Kepler" after the renowned German astronomer and mathematician, was the second mission in the European Space Agency's (ESA) Automated Transfer Vehicle program. Launched on February 16, 2011, its primary objectives were to deliver essential supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), perform orbital reboosts, and demonstrate Europe's commitment to supporting ISS operations. This mission underscored Europe's capability in autonomous spacecraft operations and contribution to international space endeavors.

Objectives
The key goals of the ATV-2 mission included: Delivering a mix of dry cargo, propellant, and gases to the ISS. Performing reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag. Serving as a platform for scientific experiments, such as the GeoFlow II experiment. Safely disposing of waste material from the ISS through controlled atmospheric re-entry.

Key Details
- Launch Date: February 16, 2011
- Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5 ES
- Launch Site: Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana
- Docking Date: February 24, 2011
- Undocking Date: June 20, 2011
- Deorbit and Re-entry: June 21, 2011

Cargo Delivered
- Dry Cargo: Approximately 1,600 kg of equipment, food, clothing, and other supplies for the ISS crew.
- Propellant for ISS Refueling: Around 850 kg transferred to the ISS.
- Propellant for Reboost and Attitude Control: Approximately 4,534 kg used for ISS orbit adjustments.
- Gases: About 100 kg of oxygen.

Mission Highlights
- Autonomous Docking: On February 24, 2011, Johannes Kepler successfully docked with the ISS's Zvezda module, demonstrating Europe's capability for automated spacecraft operations.
- Orbital Reboosts: The ATV performed multiple reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag.
- Scientific Contribution: Delivered the GeoFlow II experiment, designed to study fluid dynamics in microgravity, aiding in the understanding of Earth's mantle convection processes.
- Waste Disposal: After completing its mission, Johannes Kepler was loaded with waste from the ISS. It undocked on June 20, 2011, and performed a controlled deorbit, re-entering Earth's atmosphere on June 21, 2011, where it burned up over the Pacific Ocean.

Outcomes
The successful completion of the ATV-2 mission validated the ATV's design and operational capabilities, reinforcing ESA's role in ISS logistics and operations. The mission's achievements contributed to the sustainability of the ISS and provided valuable experience for future autonomous spacecraft missions.

ATV-3
ATV-3

Mission Overview
ATV-3, named "Edoardo Amaldi" after the renowned Italian physicist and spaceflight pioneer, was the third mission in the European Space Agency's (ESA) Automated Transfer Vehicle program. Launched on March 23, 2012, its primary objectives were to deliver essential supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), perform orbital reboosts, and demonstrate Europe's ongoing commitment to supporting ISS operations. This mission highlighted Europe's capability in autonomous spacecraft operations and its significant contribution to international space endeavors.

Objectives
The key goals of the ATV-3 mission included: Delivering a mix of dry cargo, propellant, water, and gases to the ISS. Performing reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag. Serving as a platform for scientific experiments. Safely disposing of waste material from the ISS through controlled atmospheric re-entry.

Key Details
- Launch Date: March 23, 2012
- Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5 ES
- Launch Site: Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana
- Docking Date: March 28, 2012
- Undocking Date: September 28, 2012
- Deorbit and Re-entry: October 3, 2012

Cargo Delivered
- Dry Cargo: Approximately 2,200 kg of equipment, food, clothing, and other supplies for the ISS crew.
- Propellant for ISS Refueling: Around 860 kg transferred to the ISS.
- Propellant for Reboost and Attitude Control: Approximately 2,600 kg used for ISS orbit adjustments.
- Water: About 285 kg of potable water.
- Gases: Approximately 100 kg of oxygen.

Mission Highlights
- Autonomous Docking: On March 28, 2012, Edoardo Amaldi successfully docked with the ISS's Zvezda module, demonstrating Europe's capability for automated spacecraft operations.
- Orbital Reboosts: The ATV performed multiple reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag.
- Scientific Contributions: Edoardo Amaldi transported scientific equipment and experiments, including components for the ALTEA-Shield experiment, which studied radiation exposure in space.
- Waste Disposal: After completing its mission, Edoardo Amaldi was loaded with waste from the ISS. It undocked on September 28, 2012, and performed a controlled deorbit, re-entering Earth's atmosphere on October 3, 2012, where it burned up over the Pacific Ocean.

Outcomes
The successful completion of the ATV-3 mission validated the ATV's design and operational concepts, paving the way for subsequent missions. It demonstrated ESA's ability to contribute significantly to ISS logistics and operations, and the technologies developed have influenced future spacecraft designs.

ATV-4
ATV-4

Mission Overview
ATV-4, named "Albert Einstein" after the renowned physicist, was the fourth mission in the European Space Agency's (ESA) Automated Transfer Vehicle program. Launched on June 5, 2013, its primary objectives were to deliver essential supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), perform orbital reboosts, and demonstrate Europe's continued commitment to supporting ISS operations. This mission highlighted Europe's capability in autonomous spacecraft operations and its significant contribution to international space endeavors.

Objectives
The key goals of the ATV-4 mission included: Delivering a mix of dry cargo, propellant, water, and gases to the ISS. Performing reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag. Serving as a platform for scientific experiments. Safely disposing of waste material from the ISS through controlled atmospheric re-entry.

Key Details
- Launch Date: June 5, 2013
- Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5 ES
- Launch Site: Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana
- Docking Date: June 15, 2013
- Undocking Date: October 28, 2013
- Deorbit and Re-entry: November 2, 2013

Cargo Delivered
- Dry Cargo: Approximately 2,480 kg of equipment, food, clothing, and other supplies for the ISS crew.
- Propellant for ISS Refueling: Around 860 kg transferred to the ISS.
- Propellant for Reboost and Attitude Control: Approximately 2,235 kg used for ISS orbit adjustments.
- Water: About 565 kg of potable water.
- Gases: Approximately 100 kg of oxygen.

Mission Highlights
- Autonomous Docking: On June 15, 2013, Albert Einstein successfully docked with the ISS's Zvezda module, demonstrating Europe's capability for automated spacecraft operations.
- Orbital Reboosts: The ATV performed multiple reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag.
- Scientific Contributions: Albert Einstein transported scientific equipment and experiments to support various research activities aboard the ISS.
- Waste Disposal: After completing its mission, Albert Einstein was loaded with waste from the ISS. It undocked on October 28, 2013, and performed a controlled deorbit, re-entering Earth's atmosphere on November 2, 2013, where it burned up over the Pacific Ocean.

Outcomes
The successful completion of the ATV-4 mission further validated the ATV's design and operational concepts, paving the way for subsequent missions. It demonstrated ESA's ability to contribute significantly to ISS logistics and operations, and the technologies developed have influenced future spacecraft designs.

ATV-5
ATV-5

Mission Overview
ATV-5, named "Georges Lemaître" after the Belgian physicist and father of the Big Bang theory, was the fifth and final mission in the European Space Agency's (ESA) Automated Transfer Vehicle program. Launched on July 29, 2014, its primary objectives were to deliver essential supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), perform orbital reboosts, and demonstrate Europe's continued commitment to supporting ISS operations. This mission highlighted Europe's capability in autonomous spacecraft operations and its significant contribution to international space endeavors.

Objectives
The key goals of the ATV-5 mission included: Delivering a mix of dry cargo, propellant, water, and gases to the ISS. Performing reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag. Conducting experiments to test new technologies for future space missions. Safely disposing of waste material from the ISS through controlled atmospheric re-entry.

Key Details
- Launch Date: July 29, 2014
- Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5 ES
- Launch Site: Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana
- Docking Date: August 12, 2014
- Undocking Date: February 14, 2015
- Deorbit and Re-entry: February 15, 2015

Cargo Delivered
- Dry Cargo: Approximately 2,695 kg of equipment, food, clothing, and other supplies for the ISS crew.
- Propellant for ISS Refueling: Around 860 kg transferred to the ISS.
- Propellant for Reboost and Attitude Control: Approximately 2,918 kg used for ISS orbit adjustments.
- Water: About 855 kg of potable water.
- Gases: Approximately 100 kg of oxygen and air.

Mission Highlights
- Autonomous Docking: On August 12, 2014, Georges Lemaître successfully docked with the ISS's Zvezda module, demonstrating Europe's capability for automated spacecraft operations.
- Orbital Reboosts: The ATV performed multiple reboost maneuvers to adjust the ISS's orbit, compensating for altitude loss due to atmospheric drag.
- Technology Demonstrations: Georges Lemaître carried the LIRIS (Laser InfraRed Imaging Sensors) experiment to test new rendezvous and docking sensors for future missions.
- Waste Disposal: After completing its mission, Georges Lemaître was loaded with waste from the ISS. It undocked on February 14, 2015, and performed a controlled deorbit, re-entering Earth's atmosphere on February 15, 2015, where it burned up over the Pacific Ocean.

Outcomes
The successful completion of the ATV-5 mission marked the end of the ATV program, which significantly contributed to ISS logistics and operations. The technologies developed have influenced future spacecraft designs, including the European Service Module for NASA's Orion spacecraft.