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.
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Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
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The missing piece of thermal insulation appears as a very small dark brown dot on the left-centre portion of the stage core cryogenic stage. This piece is located at the height of the two country flags that are below the letters 'esa'' on the solid rocket booster on the left.
The liftoff of Arianespace Flight 158 will therefore be delayed by a few days to allow for a minor repair to the external thermal protection on Ariane 5’s core cryogenic stage.