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The European Space Agency has launched a new type of space craft that can automatically deliver cargoes to the International Space Station.
Related Links:
» http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ATV/SEMOP432VBF_0....
» http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HgB4p1lB0E
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On march 09 2008
Arlind
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by Andres, on March 09 2008:
The first known aircraft to dock in space without human intervention. Unmanned auto docking and everything! This is incredible. :)

One big question:
Is it actually going to completely burn up in the atmosphere after 6 months or just partially? For 10s of millions of pounds, you'd think it would be reusable.
by Arlind, on March 09 2008:
"The ATV will remain attached as a pressurised and integral part of the Station for up to six months. After that it will start its final mission: a so-called destructive re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere during which it will break up and burn, together with up to 6.4 tonnes of material that is no longer used on the Station."
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/ATV/SEMOP432VBF_0.html


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