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Les Mureaux - Nov 27, 2003 EADS Astrium, Toulouse has delivered the avionics module flight model of the first Automated Transfer Vehicle, "Jules Verne", to EADS Space Transportation in Bremen. The ATV was flown from Toulouse to Bremen by Beluga aircraft on 30th October 03. Developed by EADS Space Transportation (Les Mureaux, France) for ESA, the ATV consists of a three-module assembly with the avionics module under the remit of EADS Astrium in Toulouse, the propulsion module built by EADS Space Transportation in Bremen (Germany), and a pressurized cargo module developed in Italy. Integration of the overall vehicle is being undertaken in Bremen. To be launched on Ariane 5, the complete ATV weighs 20.5 tonnes on launch, which includes 9 tonnes of supplies for the International Space Station (ISS). It is the heaviest spacecraft ever built in Europe. The avionics module includes key ATV functions with on-board computers based on a fault-tolerant architecture, the attitude and navigation sensors, the communications subsystem between the ATV and the ISS ground control centres, and the on-board power generation and distribution system. EADS Astrium Toulouse also had a substantial role in the development of the on-board data management software, as well as the attitude measurement systems and those dedicated to GPS navigation. Development of the avionics module drew upon the expertise of EADS Astrium both in terms of its scientific and low Earth orbit observation platforms, and its avionics. One of the major challenges of the project was the safety aspect related to manned flight activities on board the ISS. This led to the development of a highly sophisticated avionics system, which has almost twice the complexity of a normal spacecraft. Following delivery, the module will be integrated with the other two sub-assemblies that make up the "Jules Verne" vehicle. The ATV will then undergo an environmental test campaign at ESTEC, the European Space Agency's technical centre in the Netherlands. Thereafter, the vehicle will be shipped to Kourou for launch.
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The avionics module is loaded to the Beluga for shipment to Bremen.
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Orbital Recovery Ltd. Teams With Dutch Firm For Space Tug 
Leiden - Nov 27, 2003Orbital Recovery Ltd. Has signed a strategic teaming agreement with Dutch Space of Leiden Holland to develop a space tug for use in rescuing satellites stranded in orbit and extending the operational lifetimes of other telecommunications spacecraft.
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