Testing delays on Europe's Automated Transfer Vehicle and continued uncertainty over the date of NASAs next space shuttle launch make it increasingly likely the Columbus laboratory module and perhaps even the ATV won't get to the International Space Station until next year. Although ATV testing issues in the Netherlands and Russia have been resolved, and the 13-metric-ton spacecraft is set to sail for its launch site in French Guiana this summer, a developing traffic jam at the ISS makes it highly unlikely the ATV can use a September flight date the European Space Agency (ESA) is holding open for it.
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