The second vessel ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) of the European Space Agency successfully launched by Arianespace from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana). Called "Johannes Kepler", in honor of the German astronomer and mathematician, the second flight model of the ATC will join the International Space Station (ISS) after eight days of autonomous flight and dock, fully automatic mode .
The ATC "Johannes Kepler" will bring experience, equipment, spare parts and propellants as well as food and oxygen for astronauts currently residing in the ISS.
Thales Alenia Space plays an important role in the development and production of this highly sophisticated vessel. Under the leadership of Astrium Space Transportation, supervisor of the ATC industry, Thales Alenia Space is responsible for the design and manufacture of integrated cargo module (ICC Integrated Cargo Carrier), the passive thermal control, unit of electrical power systems and tests of all communications equipment for telemetry, tracking and command (TTC) of the ATC. Thales Alenia Space has also taken part in the integration and testing of complete spacecraft and the campaign of preparation for the launch in Kourou.
The ICC, manufactured by Thales Alenia Space plant in Turin (Italy), is based on a cylindrical pressurized module of 4.6 meters in diameter and 4 feet long, with a weight of 4 tons. At one end, this module receives an integrated docking with the ISS and the other refueling system propellants. These two elements, derived from systems already operational on the Russian Soyuz and Progress ships, were provided by the Russian company RSC-Energia.
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