Charlotte Beskow writes on the approaching end of an era.

The two most frequent questions we get right now are: What will you do next? and How does it feel? (Questions we have been guilty of asking the ATV team as well! – Ed)

What will you do next?

Last ATV almost ready for launch. Credits: ESA

Last ATV almost ready for launch. Credits: ESA

It is true that this is the last ATV. All good things must come to an end.  Some of the team have already started on new jobs. They are often done in parallel to ATV-5 tasks, as the effort on ATV starts to be reduced.  This is no different from the previous missions, since ATV-5 was being built and integrated while ATV-4 was still in orbit.

Some others will be retiring. In fact,  some have already retired but they still work on the project as consultants (the oldest member of my EST team will turn 70 this year).

The rest of us have to start looking for other jobs,  but we are not in orbit yet, and we have a complete mission to fly so there is time enough to think about that.

How does it feel?

Well the short answer is that it feels great.

All the effort that has gone into building, assembling, and testing ATV-5 before we shipped it across the Atlantic; the countless hours spent preparing ATV-5 here in French Guyana plus many hours involving  ESA and the industry teams – plus of course, all the various CSG and Arianespace teams.

Opening the doors to let the last Ariane-ATV out. Credits: ESA

Opening the doors to let the last Ariane-ATV out. Credits: ESA

The many discussions between those involved in planning and executing the operation of ATV-5 once it is in orbit,  notably the four control centres (ATV Control Centre in Toulouse, ISS Mission Control Center in Moscow, ISS Mission Control Center  Houston plus Columbus Control Centre in Oberpfaffenhofen, near Munich – these are the communication hubs for ATV)… All of this effort and the personal commitment  of the individuals (not to mention our families who have had to put up with ATV during all these months), has brought us to  this moment.

It is a visible proof of teamwork across borders, individuals capable of meeting and overcoming the countless obstacles that Murphy persists in throwing in our path!

Everyone I meet here right now walks around with great big smiles on their face! And to top it off,  the sun is shining… launching during the dry season has its advantages.

– Charlotte