Robot supply craft docks with ISS

PARIS, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The European Space agency says its robotic Automated Transfer Vehicle has successfully docked with the International Space Station to deliver supplies.

Eight days after launch, the approach and docking were achieved autonomously Thursday by the robotic spacecraft's own computers, closely monitored by ESA and French space agency teams at the ATV Control Center in Toulouse, France, as well as by the astronauts aboard the space station, an ESA release said.

At close range, the 20-ton, unmanned supply spaceship computed its position through sensors pointed at laser reflectors on the space station.

The cargo spacecraft was launched by an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on Feb. 16.

It will remain docked at the space station until June, serving as an additional research module.

The space station crew will unload about 3,800 pounds of dry cargo, including food, clothes and equipment, the ESA said.

The space shuttle Discovery is to hook up with the space station Saturday.