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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Soyuz VS06 was transferred to the launch zone on 14 December 2013
The vehicle was rolled out horizontally on its erector from the preparation building to the launch zone and then raised into the vertical position.
Soyuz VS06 will lift off on 19 December 2013 from Europe's Spaceport, French Guiana. The rocket will carry the Gaia mission.
ESA’s Gaia mission will produce an unprecedented 3D map of our Galaxy by mapping, with exquisite precision, the position and motion of a billion stars.