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 roll-out at the ELA-2 launch complex at Kourou, French Guiana. Ariane-3 V17 was launched 28 March 1986 carrying the Gstar-2 and Brasilsat-2 communications satellites. The picture shows V17 on the mobile launch platform emerging from the Vertical Assembly Building (VAB) to begin the 950 m rail journey to the pad. The payload is added on the pad. [Image Date: 30-01-86] [86.02.002-069]