The successful completion of the Launch Readiness Review, which involved representatives of ESA, Arianespace, CNES, Astrium, RSC-Energia and NASA, certified that the ATV is ready for the final countdown.

The ATV is an unmanned supply ship for the International Space Station. Jules Verne has a 48 cubic metre pressurised cargo module that can carry more than 1300kg of food, clothing and equipment, along with 860kg of propellant. 270kg of potable water and 20kg of oxygen to replenish the ISS.

Jules Verne also carries 5800kg of propellant that will be used by its own engines. Some 60 percent will be consumed by the ATV in order to reach the ISS after separation from its launch vehicle and for deorbiting after it leaves the space station. (It will be loaded with garbage from the ISS, and will burn up on re-entry to the Earth's atmosphere.)

The remaining fuel will be used to push the ISS into a higher orbit and to control the station's attitude.

The Launch Readiness Review for the Ariane 5 launcher that will take Jules Verne into space is scheduled for today, March 6. If all is well, the spacecraft will be rolled out from the final assembly building to the launchpad at Europe's Spaceport in French Guyana on Friday, March 7.

The launch is scheduled for 04:03 GMT on March 9. Rendezvous with the ISS should occur on April 3.