Waiting for ATV… Credits: ESA/NASA

Luca and Alexander Misurkin (Sasha for short) will be monitoring the docking of ESA’s Automated Transfer Vehicle Albert Einstein when it arrives at the International Space Station today. Follow the docking live on ESA television from 14:50 CEST with commentary from colleague ESA astronaut Léopold Eyharts.

The docking is fully automated but astronauts on the International Space Station need to monitor the spacecraft’s approach as they can step in case of emergency.

Once docked Luca will be ‘loadmaster’ for ATV-4, meaning he is in charge for unloading the cargo – over 1400 items. ATV is bringing scientific experiments, spare parts, clothes, food as well as fuel and air to the Station.

Go to the ATV blog for more details and real-time updates on the docking.