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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This image, taken in the upper level of the Final Assembly Building, provides an overview of ESC-A stage and its interface with the Ariane 5 launch table. In the foreground is the launch table's fixed mast (which carries the Flight 164 designation). Extending from the mast toward the launch vehicle is one of the two cryogenic arms (Arrow A) that will be used to fuel the upper stage once the Ariane 5 is in the launch zone. Running under the yellow arm are the propellant lines, which are wrapped in red insulation (Arrow B).