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
Go to topicThe mobile gantry – a 90 metre-high mobile metallic structure weighing 8,200 tonnes when fully equipped, that rolls on rails. 8,200 tonnes – that is, over 8 million kilograms – is nearly one thousand tonnes heavier than the Eiffel Tower and is equivalent to the mass of approximately 1,640 elephants.
The mobile gantry is equipped with platforms to give access to the launch vehicle for integration on the launch pad. It stores and protects Ariane 6 until it is retracted five hours before launch.