The Ariane 5 for Arianespace’s upcoming flight with an Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) resupply spacecraft has arrived in French Guiana, maintaining the mission pace for this industry-leading launcher.

The container with Ariane 5’s cryogenic core stage departs the roll-on/roll-off ship at PariacaboPort in this view from the sea-going vessel.

The container with Ariane 5’s cryogenic core stage departs the roll-on/roll-off ship at Pariacabo Port in this view from the sea-going vessel. Credits: ESA/CNES/Arianespace/Optique Video du CSG

After completing a trans-Atlantic voyage on one of two roll-on/roll-off ships used in the transportation of Arianespace launch vehicles, the Ariane 5 was delivered to Pariacabo Port this week and transferred in a vehicle convoy to the nearby Spaceport.

Scheduled for the spring as Arianespace’s second heavy-lift launch in 2013, the flight will orbit ATV Albert Einstein – Europe’s fourth spacecraft for resupply of the International Space Station. 

via Arianespace