Source: ESA.
Reentry of a previous ATV. Image credit: ESA.
The Johannes Kepler ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) has undocked from the International Space. The Johannes Kepler ATV was responsible for the International Space Station's biggest increase in altitude to date, significantly improving the 417-tonne Station's orbital mileage through the next decade of scientific research.
During three intensive reboost manoeuvres, ATV Johannes Kepler raised the ISS altitude from around 345 km to about 380 km, where it will use far less fuel to maintain its orbit and cutting the amount of fuel that must be sent up in the coming years by almost half.
The ATV will now reenter Earth’s atmosphere on today ending its mission in fiery destruction.
