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 Ariane 5 launch is an important step to reestablish confidence into Europe's launcher sector and into Arianespace, the world's first space transportation company. This transmission provides story details and background images on this subject.
The programme comprises of a 5-minute A-roll with split audio (english commentary/international sound) and is complimented by a B-roll with clean international sound.
Ariane-5 LOOKING AHEAD TO THE NEXT LAUNCH
Ariane-5 is one of the worldÕs most impressive launchers; it is very powerful and, unlike other carriers, has the capability of putting very heavy payload into orbit. In addition, it provides Europe with the only means of competing with Russia and America in the business of launching commercial satellites.
Because of this, and despite recent problems, Arianespace and ESA have decided to continue launching the tried-and-trusted generic version of Ariane-5. Flight 160 is set for lift-off on April 8th carrying two spacecraft: Insat 3A and Galxy XII.
It is, in fact, no more than a routine flight because this version of Ariane-5 has already been successfully launched eight times. This time, however, the launch will attract worldwide attention because an enhanced version of the same launcher, failed in December 2002.
The extra power provided by larger fuel tanks and improved performance of its Vulcain engines should have enabled this high-powered version of A