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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Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana guarantees independent, reliable access to space for Europe. This launch base and the jungle that surrounds it covers 690 km2. ESA owns the special infrastructure built for the Ariane, Soyuz and Vega rockets, this includes launch vehicle and satellite preparation buildings, launch operation facilities and a plant for making solid propellant and integrating solid rocket motors.
At the centre of the picture is the launch complex for Ariane 6, built for ESA by the French space agency, CNES and its partners, it was inaugurated on 28 September 2021. Available in two versions, with either two or four boosters, Ariane 6 will replace Europe’s heavy-lift Ariane 5 to offer more performance and flexibility.
ESA's upcoming Vega-C will use the same launch zone (pictured left) as its Vega predecessor.