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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12 July 2001 - Flight 142 Ariane 5 mounted on its launch table rides a dual railtrack linking the final assembly building with the ELA-3 launch zone. The vehicle rolled out of the Ariane 5 final assembly building this morning at 11:00 a.m. and covered the 3.5 km distance to the ELA-3 launch zone in approximately 45 minutes. It rode on the mobile launch table, which was pulled by a special tug truck.
Photo: ESA/CNES/Arianespace