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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Launch of Ariane 5 GS V166 on 11 August 2005 from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, carrying ThaiCom 4 (Ipstar). This was the first Ariane 5 launch in the GS variant. Ariane 5 GS incorporates upgraded Solid Booster Stages (EAPs) from the Ariane 5 ECA version, as well as the composite vehicle equipment bay and the uprated upper stage from the earlier Ariane 5G+.