ATV-3, now world's largest spacecraft, docks with space station (photos)
The European Space Agency's unmanned cargo spacecraft docks last week for the third time with the International Space Station, bringing supplies like experiment hardware, spare parts, food, and clothing.
James Martin
James Martin was the Managing Editor of Photography at CNET.
His photos capture technology's impact on society - from the widening wealth gap in San Francisco, to the European refugee crisis and Rwanda's efforts to improve health care.
From the technology pioneers of Google and Facebook, photographing Apple's Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Google's Sundar Pichai, to the most groundbreaking launches at Apple and NASA, his was a dream job for any documentary photography and journalist with a love for technology.
Exhibited widely, syndicated and reprinted thousands of times over the years, James follows the people and places behind the technology changing our world, bringing their stories and ideas to life.
Since the end of space shuttle flights, the European Space Agency's "Edoardo Amaldi" Automated Transfer Vehicle-3 (ATV-3) has taken on the title of world's largest spacecraft. Last week, the unmanned resupply vehicle made its third visit to the International Space Station, delivering 7 tons of critical supplies including fresh food, water, clothing, spare parts, and experiments.
2 of 6NASA
ATV-3 making approach
ATV-3 is seen approaching the Space Station on March 28, 2012.
Special delivery! The Automated Transfer Vehicle-3 docked with the International Space Station on March 29, delivering 220 pounds of oxygen, 628 pounds of water, 4.5 tons of propellant, and nearly 2.5 tons of dry cargo.
3 of 6European Space Agency
6 month visit
Carrying a record-breaking 7 tons of cargo, ATV-3 is currently the world's largest single operational spacecraft, delivering vital operational supplies including 860 kilos of fuel, 100 kilos of gas, air and oxygen, 280 liters of water, and a water recycling system.
4 of 6European Space Agency
ATV-3 approaches Space Station
The resupply vehicle was launched March 23 and will remain docked with the ISS for six months before being released and sent spinning back to Earth. It will be intentionally destroyed during reentry, along with its cargo of trash from the space station.
5 of 6NASA
ATV-3 docks with ISS
ESA's ATV-3, "Edoardo Amaldi," docks with the International Space Station, delivering fuel, air, oxygen, scientific equipment, spare parts and crew supplies.
6 of 6NASA
Spacecraft's approach
A photo taken from the International Space Station shows the European Space Agency's cargo spacecraft approaching for an automated docking and delivery of vital supplies.
