Unloading and pumping in space
Unloading and pumping in space
After docking to the ISS, the crew can unload the ATV payload. ATV can carry a maximum of 7.5 tonnes of payload to the ISS. The so-called "dry payload" includes clothing, experiments and spare parts for the ISS. The astronauts can float to the front section of the ATV and move the dry payload into the Space Station. In this area of the ATV, the environment is similar to that on Earth; the pressure is one bar, the temperature 21 degrees Celsius and breathable air is available. Before unloading, the astronauts must enter the ATV with goggles and breathing mask to protect themselves from possible flying parts. This is a standard procedure during the docking of new vehicles or modules. As a precaution, The air in the ATV is then filtered with a small "vacuum cleaner" to remove any small particles.
Also located on board the ATV is the so-called "wet load". This includes fuel for the ISS, water, oxygen and other gases. The payload is moist and is unloaded by the astronauts. The ATV contained 4.7 tons of fuel, needed to raise the orbit of the ISS.
