Europe's Automated Transfer Vehicle: A Spacecraft for Supply and Support

The ATV, Europe's largest spacecraft, is a robot-controlled supply ship for the ISS. It autonomously navigates to the ISS, carrying up to 10 tons of cargo, including air, food, and equipment. The ATV also functions as a space tug, correcting the ISS's orbit. After six months, it returns to Earth, burning up upon reentry.

Describe the process that occurs once the ATV docks with the ISS.

What happens to the ATV after it has completed its mission and separated from the ISS?