ATV-2 Johannes Kepler Integrated Cargo Carrier is ready for mating with the spacecrafts Propulsion Module. ATV-2 Johannes Kepler is the second Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), Europe's resupply spacecraft for the International Space Station. Johannes Kepler is being prepared for launch at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.(Image credit: ESA)

Some very nice launch pics sent in from Kourou. Thanks and credit to S. Koenen. -- Daniel

Jean-Yves Le Gall, head of Arianespace, announced a while ago that the 1st upper stage burn is complete - we've entered the ballistic phase. We've got a bit of a wait now for the 2nd upper stage thrust - that will take place at 06:05 CET (05:05 UT) - another 35 minutes from now. Shortly after that another key event - separation of ATV from the upper stage.
--Maria

Access an mp3 of the ATV launch countdown and start here:

Yah! :-)

The live stream has started.. access it through http://www.esa.int/atv

A very green screen (left)... that's green meaning go for launch!
--Maria

Arianespace webcast is here.

ESA portal webcast is here. 

-- Daniel (with coffee @ 04:20..!) 

I just took part in a final communication loop with Franco Bonacina, ESA's Franco Bonacina, Head of the Media Relations Office and DG Spokesman, in Kourou. All still green for launch.
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