ESA ATV Albert Einstein attached to Ariane-5 Launcher

ATV Albert Einstein is lowered into position for integration with its Ariane 5 launcher inside the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building as preparations near completion for next month’s mission. 

Credits: CNES/ESA/Arianespace/CSG Service optique

Arianespace marked one of the final steps in preparations for the next Ariane 5 launch as Europe's latest Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) was integrated atop the heavy-lift workhorse at the Spaceport.

This latest ATV - named after German-born physicist Albert Einstein - was lowered by an overhead crane onto its Ariane 5 inside the 90-meter-tall Final Assembly Building in French Guiana.

The payload fairing - which will complete the launcher build up - will be mounted closer to the launch date, allowing for loading of late cargo for the ATV's International Space Station servicing mission. This second Ariane 5 flight of 2013 is scheduled for a June 5 liftoff.

Integration of the ATV Albert Einstein for Ariane Flight VA213 is part of this month's activities on four parallel missions involving Arianespace's complete launcher family at the Spaceport - including the successful orbiting of three passengers by the lightweight Vega vehicle on May 7.

Flight VA213's ATV Albert Einstein will have a liftoff mass of 20,235 kg. - the heaviest payload ever lofted by any Ariane vehicle. In addition to resupply, the ATV will be used for maneuvering the International Space Station.

Built by an EADS Astrium-led industry team, ATV Albert Einstein will be the fourth such servicing vehicle launched by Arianespace for the European Space Agency.