Posted: Tue, Apr 1, 2008, 10:03 PM ET (0203 GMT)
After completing a series of demonstration maneuvers in the vicinity of the ISS, the first Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) is set to dock with the station on Thursday. The ATV, named Jules Verne, moved to within 11 meters of the station autonomously, using an optical navigation system, before the ISS crew issued, as planned, commands instructing the spacecraft to retreat from the station. The success of the maneuvers paves the way for a docking attempt by the ATV, with the spacecraft scheduled to dock with the station's Zvezda module at 10:41 pm EDT (1441 GMT) Thursday.

Related Links:

•  Spaceflight Now article
•  SPACE.com article
•  Houston Chronicle article
•  Florida Today article
•  ESA press release