ESA and EADS Space Transportation To Sign 1 Billion Euro ISS Contract

The European Space Agency (ESA) and EADS Space Transportation will sign a 1 billion Euro contract on 13 July to allow Europe to more fully use the capabilities of the International Space Station (ISS). Much of this funding will go towards the production of six Automated Transfer Vehicles (ATVs) and the preparation of the Columbus Laboratory aboard the ISS. The new ATV spacecraft will provide critical capabilities to the ISS, such as replenishing supplies, carrying away trash, and periodically boosting the ISS to higher altitudes.

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