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 doors of the mobile gantry are open to show two ‘dummy’ versions of the P120C Ariane 6 boosters filled with water instead of fuel sitting on the launch table at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou in French Guiana.
The mobile gantry weighs 8200 tonnes and is 90 metre-high. It will house Ariane 6 before launch. Platforms inside the gantry will allow engineers access to the rocket for integration and maintenance. The mobile gantry is retracted before launch.
Flame trenches on either side of the gantry will funnel the exhaust at liftoff.
Four lightning masts around the launch pad protect against lightning strikes.