The Ariane 5 ES-ATV launcher, on its mobile launch table, arrives for fuelling and final launch preparations at the Launch Zone (ZL-3) of Ariane Launch Complex no. 3 (ELA-3) at the Guiana Space Centre March 7, 2008. Picture taken March 7, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    PARIS, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The European Space Agency on Sunday launched its first Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) into space, French media reported.

    The ATV blasted into the skies at 1:03 a.m. (0403 GMT) aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

    The launch was initially scheduled for Saturday but was delayed for technical checks.

    The ATV is scheduled to separate from the Ariane rocket at 0535GMT and reignite its propulsion system 30 minutes later.

    It will remain in a "parking orbit" and then is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station (ISS) on April 3 to deliver around eight tons of food, water, fuel and personal items to the ISS crew.

    This ATV, dubbed "Jules Verne" in honor of the visionary French science fiction writer, is the first ATV that Europe has committed to its participation in the ISS program.