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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Launch of Ariane 5 V163 on 18 July 2004 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, carrying Telesat's Anik F2 payload and placing the 5950 kg spacecraft into geostationary transfer orbit.
Anik F2 is the heaviest commercial telecommunications satellite ever launched, and will provide high-speed internet and digital communications from a final orbital position of 111.1 deg. West. It uses the Boeing 702 satellite bus and carries a mixed payload of 32 Ku-band transponders, 38 Ka-band transponders and 24 C-band transponders. Flight 163 marked the 15th successful mission of the Ariane 5 (Generic) launch vehicle.