After years of delay, the European Space Agency has launched what it describes as its most sophisticated spacecraft to date.

An Ariane 5 rocket carried the craft, named Jules Verne, into orbit on 9 March. The spacecraft is the first of a series of Automated Transfer Vehicles (ATVs) that will take supplies to the International Space Station. Unlike current supply vessels, the ATV will dock with the station using lasers rather than being guided by astronauts.

The Jules Verne is scheduled to rendezvous with the station in early April. At least four more ATVs will follow, one every 18 months.