Ok first, this is NOT an April Fools blast!

The ISS will get its first home delivery on Thursday from The Jules Verne Automated Transfer Vehicle when it docks up for the first time! The current ISS crew will unload about 15,000 pounds of stuff before the ATV returns to earth. This is a big moment as the ATV landmarks future re-supply missions given the completely automated voyage is successful. These images (click em) are cutaways of the huge supply transfer bays.

The Jules Verne reached its closest point (36 feet) to the station at 12:38 p.m Monday 03/31/2008 EDT, at which time it was commanded by the crew to retreat to a point 62 feet away. From there it executed an “escape” command to depart the station for its three-day phasing prior to final approach and docking around 10:41 a.m. Thursday. No fooling…