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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The fully integrated Soyuz FG-Fregat vehicle carrying ESA’s Venus Express probe on its mobile launch table on its pad at launch complex no.31, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, on 4 November 2005.
Once vertical, the launcher underwent four days of pre-launch check out and countdown rehearsals.
Lift-off occurred at 04:33 CET (03:33 UT) on 9 November and Venus Express was successfully launched on a solar orbit towards Venus. It is now in its final orbit around Venus.