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
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Cluster spacecraft F3 and F4 are installed on top of Ar-501 in the Batiment d'Assemblage Final (BAF) building at the Kourou, French Guiana launch site. The upper assembly of F1/F2, Speltra and fairing were then lowered into position over them.
Following the Ariane 501 launch failure on 4 June 1996, four replacement Cluster satellites are planned for launch in 2000 to study the interaction of the solar wind with Earth's magnetosphere. [Image Date: 1996/05] [97.12.007-005]