The ESA's new robotic cargo carrier, the Jules Verne, has been cleared for docking with the International Space Station today, April 3rd, as early as 10:41 am EDT (1441 UT). The joining is an historic event. Jules Verne uses its own intelligence and optical sensors for precision maneuvers and it will be the first spacecraft to perform a fully-automated rendezvous with the sprawling space station.

Jules Verne is delivering 4.6 tons of cargo including 270 kg of drinking water and 21 kg of oxygen. After docking, the cargo ship can use its powerful engines to reboost the ISS as needed and when Jules Verne eventually leaves in August it will take away a substantial load of garbage. Jules Verne is number one in a series of future Automated Transfer Vehicles or "ATVs" that will prove crucial to ISS operations after the space shuttle retires in 2010. Watch it live at the ESA's Jules Verne home page.
spaceweather.com