Arianespace Launches ATV2 to Resupply ISS

[Satellite TODAY 02-18-11] Arianespace launched the European Space Agency‘s (ESA) second Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV2) for the International Space Station (ISS) on an Ariane 5 rocket, Arianespace announced Feb. 16.
    The Astrium-built Johannes Kepler ATV will deliver experiments, equipment, spare parts and propellant as well as food and oxygen for the astronauts onboard the ISS.
    The ATV2 launch represents Arianespace’s 200th launch, 56th Ariane 5 launch, 42nd successful mission in a row and the second launch of its Ariane 5 ES following the ATV1 Jules Verne mission in March 2008. Ariane 5 ES uses the same lower composite as the standard Ariane 5 ECA launcher, comprising the cryogenic main stage and solid boosters and the EPS re-ignitable storable propellant stage.