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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Ariane 5 booster being transferred to the Final Assembly Building for the Ariane 503, Advanced reentry Demonstrator mission at the European spaceport in French Guiana.
ESA's Atmospheric Reentry Demonstrator (ARD) was launched into space and then returned to Earth to test technologies required.
It was launched by Ariane 5 on Flight 503, flight number V112 on 21 October 1998. Once it was injected into orbit, the Advanced Reentry Demonstrator began its descent, entering the upper atmosphere at a velocity of over 27 000 km/h. Fifteen minutes later, it splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. It was equipped with technology that allowed its flight and landing to be performed with unequalled precision at the time.