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 solar array in final configuration for the launch. The deployment arm has been connected again, the hold-down points of the drive motor have been tensioned, hinges are adjusted, and the electrical checks after reconnection were successful. The completion of the solar array is an important step in the launch campaign and it is confirmed by a formal key point inspection. 24 May 2006.