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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One half of the first Ariane 6 fairing shell is hoisted upright at the encapsulation hall at Europe's Spaceport, French Guiana, in preparation for the arrival of the first passengers to fly on Europe's new rocket, May 2024.
The payloads are put under a protective nose cone. This so-called fairing for Ariane 6 will ensure the cargo is kept at a nice ambient temperature and humidity while also protecting it from the elements. It also provides a sleek aerodynamic shape to help Ariane 6 overcome the atmosphere as it thunders upwards to space.
A rocket is pointless without a cargo, which is why they are called payloads, it’s what is paid for to send to space. The payloads can arrive by ship or airplane – Ariane 6 can launch everything from satellites to constellations and huge spacecraft such as Moon landers – different cargo has different shipment needs. Payload preparation facilities at Europe’s Spaceport prepare the cargo for launch and connects everything to a payload adapter to fit onto Ariane.