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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The first Ariane vehicles were launched from the ELA-1 complex at the Kourou, French Guiana site. ELA-1 was closed down in December 1989 and finally dismantled in 1991. It was replaced by ELA-2 to handle the more powerful Ariane-4 vehicles. ELA-2's service tower can be seen in the background, connected by rail to the Vertical Assembly Building (VAB). ELA-1 required vehicles to be stacked on the pad, limiting launch campaigns to 2-month intervals. ELA-2/3 assemble the rockets on a mobile launch platform in separate buildings before transferring them to the pad. [Image Date: 06-06-84] [84.07.021-837]