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
Go to topicA base for the Russian Soyuz launch vehicle is being constructed at the European Spaceport in French Guiana. Soyuz is a medium-class launcher and its performance will perfectly complement that of the other ESA launchers, Ariane and Vega. Launching from near the equator will enable Soyuz to carry twice the payload mass that is possible from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
This new launch facility for the venerable Soyuz vehicle is located at Sinnamary, 12 kilometres northwest of the existing Ariane 5 launch complex, extending the spaceport’s operational zone further up the French Guiana coastline.
The first Soyuz launch is planned for 2010.