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 22 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
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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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ESA’s new Vega small launcher took the next step towards its maiden flight with completion of a dry-run with a full-scale mock-up at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana in April.
This rehearsal of the final countdown tested launch operations and the rollout of the mobile gantry. One particular test showed that the vehicle and the pad structure can withstand high winds during the hours before launch.
Other important work included Vega ventilation and thermal testing, inertial platform alignment and performance testing, and umbilical tests.
The maiden qualification flight is planned for the end of January 2012.
This flight will be followed by five missions to demonstrate the system's flexibility.