The final mission of Europe’s automated supply fleet to the Space Station

Space · Published 8 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Watch the Ariane 5 launcher depart from Kourou, French Guiana, carrying the Georges Lemaître. This video captures the liftoff of the fifth and final Automated Transfer Vehicle mission.

Honouring the Belgian physicist behind the Big Bang Theory, this mission transported 6561 kg of vital supplies to the International Space Station. This cargo included 3933 kg of water, gases, and propellants, alongside 2628 kg of dry cargo.

The liftoff occurred at 23:47 GMT on 29 July using an Ariane 5 ES rocket. As the final ATV, this mission represented part of ESA's commitment to covering the operational costs of the Space Station.

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