Jules Verne ATV atop launcher

Jules Verne, the first Automated Transfer Vehicle, has been integrated and encapsulated under its huge fairing on top of its Ariane 5 launcher. With a total mass of about 19 360 kg, Jules Verne is the largest payload ever launched by Ariane 5. The historical mission with the first European space supplier for the ISS is scheduled for a night time launch on 8 March at 01:23 local time in French Guiana (04.23 UT). Credits: 2008 - ESA /CNES/Arianespace/Photo optique video du CSG