ATV, the next step

The successful docking of the European Columbus module and the launch of the Automated Transfer Vehicle have opened a new era for Europe’s presence in space with the aspiration to consolidate its independence. Now, ESA is working on a proposed programme to develop new versions of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). The projects ESA is considering are essentially based on a re-use of the ATV's service module and the replacement of the integrated cargo carrier with a re-entry capsule. This would allow for atmospheric re-entry, bringing down to the Earth first some cargo and then in the future a complete crew. ESA and its industrial partners will have to develop new technologies to satisfy other crucial requirements, such as the ejection system to ensure the absolute safety of a space capsule’s crew in case of an anomaly on the launch pad or during its ascent phase. ESApod video programme

You can listen to ATV, the next step online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

ATV, the next step is an episode from ESApod, audio and video from space by ESA Web Portal Staff.

This episode is 00:04:46 long.

This episode was published on Nov 20, 2008.

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