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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Arriving under a cloudy sky, the Ariane 4 launcher reaches the launch zone. During final preparations and payload integration, the vehicle will be protected by a large mobile service tower that is moved into position on the launch pad. The launch of flight 144, with a A44P configuration, is scheduled for 25 September 2001.