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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Although there is a growing tendency for satellites to become larger, there is still a need for a small launcher to put 300 to 2000 kg satellites, for scientific and Earth observation missions, into polar and low-Earth orbits cheaply and quickly. Europe's answer to these needs is Vega, named after the 2nd brightest star in the northern hemisphere. Vega will make access to space easier, quicker and cheaper. Costs are being kept to a minimum by using some of the technologies already developed for Ariane launchers. Vega will also be able to make use of the existing launch facilities at Europe's spaceport in Kourou.