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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Ariane 6 central core used for testing as it leaves the launcher sssembly building, known in French as the Bâtiment Assemblage Lanceurs, BAL, to the launch pad ELA-4 on 11 July 2022 at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
This functioning central core was used for testing Europe's heavy-lift rocket. Under the purple protective covering is Ariane 6's main engine, Vulcain 2.1, which was ignited multiple times on the launch pad to test the complete launch system so the operations’ team at ArianeGroup, France’s space agency CNES, and ESA could fine-tune operations and control software. Five countdown runs where done whereby the Ariane 6 was loaded with cryo-propellants.
Ariane 6 is the next rocket in a long history of launchers to fly from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana – demonstrating the power of multinational cooperation for over five decades.