Europe’s final Automated Transfer Vehicle is assembled for its Arianespace Ariane 5 launch in 2014

The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for Arianespace’s next resupply mission to the International Space Station is standing tall at the Spaceport as preparations continue for its heavy-lift Ariane 5 launch on Flight VA219.

This week’s activity in French Guiana included stacking of the ATV’s two primary components – its Integrated Cargo Carrier and the Service Module – completing the build-up process and readying the resupply spacecraft for final checkout ahead of its subsequent integration on Ariane 5.

With these two elements now mated, the Automated Transfer Vehicle is at its full overall height of 10.7 meters. The ATV’s mating followed completion of the first phase of cargo loading into the Integrated Cargo Carrier, which took place in the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation facility.

This fifth and final European ATV – designated Georges Lemaitre after the Belgian physicist and father of the Big Bang theory – is to resupply the International Space Station, as well as perform maneuvers to maintain the facility’s nominal orbit and test new rendezvous sensors in space. In addition to the fuel and air it will carry to the crewed space station, ATV Georges Lemaitre will deliver more than 2,600 kg. of dry cargo.

The ATV program is part of Europe’s contribution to the International Space Station’s operation, and is managed by the European Space Agency.  Prime contractor is Airbus Defence and Space, which leads a European industry team.  Airbus Defence and Space also is industrial architect for the Ariane 5.

Arianespace will loft ATV Georges Lemaitre as part of its record manifest planned in 2014. This mission is designated Flight VA219 in the company’s numbering system, signifying what will be the 219th launch of an Ariane 5 family vehicle.

All ATVs have been orbited by Ariane 5 launchers, beginning with “Jules Verne” in March 2008, and followed by “Johannes Kepler” in February 2011, the “Edoardo Amaldi” in March 2012, and last June’s flight with “Albert Einstein.”