Published on Feb 14, 2015
The fifth and final European Space Agency Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) undocked from the Zvezda Service Module at the International Space Station Feb. 14 to move to a point some 4,000 miles away from the complex for two weeks of stationkeeping prior to its deorbit. The “Georges Lemaitre” cargo ship will remain at its stationkeeping position until Feb. 27 when it will be commanded to deorbit by European flight controllers at Toulouse, France, for a destructive entry in the Earth’s atmosphere that will be documented by NASA, ESA and other entities around the world and the station crew members. That data will provide valuable information on the mechanics of the breakup of a vehicle entering Earth’s atmosphere. The remnants of the “Georges Lemaitre,” which arrived at the station last July to deliver some seven tons of cargo, will fall harmlessly into the south Pacific Ocean. During seven years of cargo delivery to the station, the five ATVs delivered almost 35 tons of supplies and fuel for the Expedition crew members on board. The station continues to be supplied by U.S., Russian and Japanese cargo craft.
European Cargo Ship Departs The Space Station For The Final Time - YouTube
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