The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
Go to topicEurope's gateway to space, French Guiana
Europe’s Spaceport allows for independent, reliable access to space for Europe. On French territory in South America, it is home to the ESA-developed rocket families of Ariane and Vega. Situated 500 km north of the equator, rockets gain extra performance thanks to a ‘slingshot effect’ from the speed of Earth’s rotation. More than 240 launches since 1990 have served customers from all around the world. Europe's Spaceport is working towards 90% renewable energy sources by the end of 2025. This launch base and the jungle that surrounds it covers 690 km2 and protects an abundance of wildlife and plants.
Key dates
1968: First launch (Veronique)
1970: First Diamant launch
1979: First Ariane launch
1988: First Ariane 4 launch
1996: First Ariane 5 launch
2011: First Soyuz launch
2012: First Vega launch
2022: First Vega-C launch