The Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) is a European cargo supply vehicle to be used for the Interrnational Space Station (ISS). It will be launched by an Ariane-5 Rocket from Kourou in French Guinea.

The first ATV is scheduled to be launched to the ISS in 2003. The European Space Agency (ESA) is to launch 9 Ariane-5's between 2003 and 2014 carrying ATV's.

Each 20 tonne ATV will be placed in 300 km, 51.6 degrees orbit and will then maneouvre to rendezvous and dock with the ISS. The ATV will provide unpressurized cargo, including propellant and cargo stored in its pressurized compartment including payloads and experiments.

Reference:

• Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV):
  
  
• Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) - Summary:
  
  
• Astronautix.com:

Looking for a Space Gift? Try Space Books, magazines, toys and posters.