ISS orbit to be decreased by 1,2 km, – Mission Control Centre representative reported.
Orbit adjustment maneuver will be accomplished with the help of European cargo vehicle ATV Georges Lemaitre.
Th thrusters will be ignited at 21.40, Moscow time, the ISS orbit will be decreased by 1,2 km.
The maneuver is accomplished to provide better conditions for Progress M-26M cargo vehicle with the station.
The 5th European cargo vehicle ATV-5 Georges Lemaitre named after Belgium astronom and mathematician was launched on July 30, 2014 and docked with the ISS on August 12. The vehicle delivered to the ISS more than 6 tons of various cargoes including foodstuffs, propellant, air, scientific equipment, etc.
Apart from Russian Progress cargo vehicles ATV are the only type of cargo vehicles able to adjust ISS orbit. ATV carrying capacity amounts to 7,5 tons.
The first ATV Jules Verne vehicle was launched in 2008. In the future ATV service module is expected to be used for American Orion spacecraft (MPCV).
