Europe sends Automated Transfer Vehicle into space

Kourou, French Guinea: Europe has sent its Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) into space, in a mission which pushes the continent to the forefront of the space race.

The unmanned ATV is carrying water, air, fuel and equipment for the International Space Station.

It is the most advanced spacecraft ever launched by Europe and will carry out a six month attachment to the orbiting station.

The craft, dubbed ‘Jules Verne', will fly and dock with the ISS on its own using a combination of computer guidance, satellite positioning and optical sensors.

The ATV will have to wait until April 3 before it can dock with the ISS, as the Space Shuttle Endeavour will be on a mission as well.