What is your understanding regarding this claim made by Arianspace (Section 2.4.5 Manual):
Arianspace specifically claims that they "can serve the International Space Station" and that "the performance varies between 19 and 21 t".
Well, if Arianespace says that it can send a spacecraft into orbit that later docks with the ISS in its orbit at ~400 km altiude and that it delivers 19 or 21 t cargo there, and, in addition, that this spacecraft later re-enters and lands on earth, I would suggest that Arianespace is lying.
I only just realised the significance of this statement: "Well, if Arianespace says that it can send a spacecraft into orbit that later docks with the ISS in its orbit at ~400 km altiude and that it delivers 19 or 21 t cargo there, and, in addition, that this spacecraft later re-enters and lands on earth".
Why did you add, "and, in addition, that this spacecraft later re-enters and lands on earth"?
Only someone totally ignorant of the claims
Arianespace actually make would make a deceptive claim like that! Slimy blighter aren't you?
As you well know what
Arianespace actually is simply:
Extracts from Ariane 5 User’s Manual Issue 5 Revision 2Performance and launch mission
2.4. General performance data
2.4.5. International Space Station orbit
Ariane 5 equipped with a storable propellant upper stage in the ES version can serve the
International Space Station with the Automated Transfer Vehicle, on a Low Earth Circular
orbit: - altitude range between 200 and 400 km
- inclination = 51.6 deg
The performance varies between 19 and 21 t, depending on the specific mission.
From: Ariane5_Users-Manual_October2016.pdf
So note that Arianespace themselves claim that the Ariane 5/ECA can send:- 19 to 21 tonnes for re-fuelling the International Space Station with the Automated Transfer Vehicle, on a Low Earth Circular orbit,
What is the dry mass of this mysterious spacecraft?
There is no
mysterious spacecraft! What on earth are you raving on about?
And how is the docking done? Fully automatic by remote control? Haven't I heard it before. Just pseudo scientific lies!
Go and chase it up yourself you lazy so-and-so, you're supposedly the space mission expert around here!
But, if it was by "remote control" it would hardly be "fully automatic" would it? But here take a peak, it's a bit boring though!
Docking To ISS Of The ESA Automated Transfer Vehicle 4
"Albert Einstein" ATV 4, Matthew Travis | |
Tour of ATV-3 from the International Space Station
European Space Agency, ESA | |
ATV-1 reentry
European Space Agency, ESA |
There, that will make you happy, the ATSs just burn up on re-entry!