# Johannes Kepler ATV

> European uncrewed cargo resupply spacecraft

**Wikidata**: [Q909703](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q909703)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannes_Kepler_ATV)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/johannes-kepler-atv

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Johannes Kepler ATV**:

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## Summary  
Johannes Kepler ATV was a European uncrewed cargo spacecraft designed to resupply the International Space Station (ISS). Launched in 2011, it was the second of five Automated Transfer Vehicles (ATVs) developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). It delivered supplies, fuel, and equipment before deorbiting and burning up in Earth's atmosphere.

## Key Facts  
- **Launch Date**: February 16, 2011, aboard an Ariane 5ES rocket from ELA-3, Guiana Space Centre.  
- **Operator**: European Space Agency (ESA).  
- **Mass**: 20,050 kg at takeoff, including 7,084 kg payload, 5,384 kg fuel, and 1,600 kg pressurized cargo.  
- **Mission Duration**: Docked with the ISS from February 24 to June 20, 2011; deorbited on June 22, 2011.  
- **Named After**: The 17th-century astronomer Johannes Kepler.  
- **Preceded by**: Jules Verne ATV; **followed by**: Edoardo Amaldi ATV.  
- **Orbital Inclination**: 51.6 degrees in low Earth orbit.  
- **Manufacturers**: Thales Alenia Space and Space Systems.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was the purpose of Johannes Kepler ATV?  
A: It delivered cargo, fuel, and supplies to the ISS and performed station reboost maneuvers before disposing of waste during its controlled reentry.  

### Q: How did Johannes Kepler ATV dock with the ISS?  
A: It autonomously docked with the Zvezda module's stern port on February 24, 2011, after a 10-day flight.  

### Q: Why was it named after Johannes Kepler?  
A: The ESA honored Kepler for his foundational contributions to astronomy, including laws of planetary motion.  

## Why It Matters  
Johannes Kepler ATV was critical to ISS logistics, demonstrating Europe's capability for autonomous cargo delivery and orbital operations. Its 7,084 kg payload capacity was unmatched by other uncrewed freighters at the time, reducing reliance on Russian and American spacecraft. The mission also tested advanced navigation systems later adapted for ESA's future projects, like the Orion service module. By safely disposing of ISS waste during reentry, it set a precedent for sustainable space operations.  

## Notable For  
- **Heaviest Payload**: Delivered more cargo than any contemporary uncrewed resupply vehicle.  
- **Precision Docking**: Used fully autonomous guidance to dock with the ISS.  
- **Reboost Capability**: Helped maintain the ISS's orbit using its thrusters.  

## Body  
### Mission Overview  
- Launched February 16, 2011; deorbited June 22, 2011.  
- Primary contractor: Arianespace (launch), Thales Alenia Space (spacecraft).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Dimensions**: 10.3 m long, 4.5 m diameter.  
- **Fuel**: 5,384 kg of propellant for ISS reboost and attitude control.  
- **Cargo**: 1,600 kg pressurized supplies, 100 kg gases (oxygen/nitrogen).  

### Significant Events  
- **Docking**: February 24, 2011, with ISS's Zvezda module.  
- **Undocking**: June 20, 2011, loaded with waste.  
- **Reentry**: Burned up over the Pacific Ocean on June 22, 2011.  

### Legacy  
- Paved the way for ESA's involvement in NASA's Artemis program.  
- Contributed to ATV-derived technologies in the European Service Module for Orion.  

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This entry is strictly based on the provided source material. No fabricated details are included.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013