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.
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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 topicCompleted by November were Ariane 6's two concrete flame trenches at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou in French Guiana.
Imagine the meteoric force of exhaust gases expelled by four Ariane 6 strap-on boosters and a Vulcain motor ignited at liftoff. These plumes will rush 25 m deep below the launch table and be diverted into the flame trenches by a 600-tonne steel deflector deluged by cooling water fed from the water tower. The exhaust gases will be channelled and expelled away from the launch table via two flame trenches.