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 P120C solid rocket development motor held inside the test stand at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, awaits its first static firing on 16 July 2018.
It is the largest single-unit, carbon-fibre solid-propellant motor ever built. This motor will replace P80 as the first stage motor of Vega-C. Two or four P120Cs will be strapped onto Ariane 6 as boosters for liftoff.
Its development relies on innovative technologies derived from the P80, Vega’s current first stage motor.