Jules Verne does well in space dress rehearsal

Europe's automated space freighter, the Jules Verne, crept within 36 feet of the international space station Monday as part of a dress rehearsal for a docking between the two later this week. The six-hour test checked out the new freighter's satellite and laser guidance systems as well as the ability of the station's crew to stop the rendezvous and turn away the 44,000-pound vessel if it veers out of control during the linkup. More

(Source: Houston Chronicle - Apr 1)