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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A cutaway view of the first European launch vehicle, Ariane 1, as envisioned by Ariane project engineers in August 1978 - just over one year before its maiden launch from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. This diagram was published in an article called 'The Ariane Launcher and its Progress' in ESA Bulletin no. 15. At this point, development was well under way with key milestones such as fairing separation tests and firing tests already completed. Ariane 1's maiden launch took place on 24 December 1979.