An artist's impression of the Automated Transfer Vehicle fitted with a return capsule. Credit: EADS ASTRIUM

The European Space Agency (ESA) is mulling over the idea of turning its latest cargo ship into a manned spacecraft.

Launched for the first time in March, the Automated Transfer Vehicle is a 20-tonne vessel for carrying food, water, oxygen and experiments to the International Space Station. It is designed to burn up on re-entry after its mission is completed. But later this week, the ship's manufacturer, Paris-based aerospace giant EADS Astrium, is expected to announce detailed plans for turning it into a manned spacecraft. The design would include a re-entry capsule for three people and new safety features.

ESA is taking the proposal seriously, says Manuel Valls, head of policy and planning for the agency's human spaceflight directorate in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. At present, Europe depends on the United States and Russia to transport people into space. Valls says the new craft would probably cost several billion euros to develop. ESA's governing council is expected to review the proposal in November, along with other options.