spacetoday.net: ATV docks with ISS

Posted: Thu, Apr 3, 2008, 9:53 PM ET (0153 GMT)
ATV Jules Verne docking with ISS (ESA)

The European-built Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station on Thursday morning, making it the first spacecraft other than a NASA or Russian-built spacecraft to visit the station. The ATV "Jules Verne" docked with the aft port of the Zvezda service module at 10:45 am EDT (1445 GMT) Thursday, with latches securing the ATV to the station closing several minutes later. The automated docking proceeded smoothly with no problems reported. The ATV, carrying over two tons of food, water, propellant, and other supplies, launched on an Ariane 5 last month. The docking took place after a series of approach tests that brought the spacecraft ever close to the station.