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 Ariane 5 ES-ATV launcher, on its mobile launch table, arrives at the Launch Zone (ZL-3) of Ariane Launch Complex no.3 (ELA-3) at the Guiana Space Centre, Europe's Spaceport, on 7 March 2008, for fuelling and final launch preparation.
Also visible are three of the four 100-m-tall lightning towers surrounding the launch pad and one of the two large flame ducts used to evacuate the exhaust from the large solid boosters. In the background is the 90-m-tall water tower, which delivers 1 500 cubic meters of water on the table at lift-off to reduce thermal and acoustic shocks.