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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Construction of the new Soyuz launch facility at the Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais – CSG), Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.
The transporter/erector system for Soyuz inside the launcher assembly and testing building (монтажно-испытательный корпус; montazhno-ispytatelniy korpus – MIK). Once the Soyuz launch vehicle’s integration is completed in a horizontal position inside the MIK, the launcher is lifted onto the transporter/erector by two overhead cranes (one of which is partially visible in the upper background). The transporter/erector is then transferred on a railway line to the launch pad, where the launch vehicle is raised into the vertical position, ready for launch.