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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Final testing of the Soyuz launch site at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana was completed in May with a simulated launch campaign. It ensured that the Soyuz and the new facilities work together perfectly, while allowing the teams to train under realistic launch conditions. It also validated all the procedures during the final phase before launch.
This time-lapse shows the vehicle transfer from the preparation building to the launch zone. It is then raised into its vertical launch position. The mobile gantry is rolled out to the pad and the vehicle’s upper composite, comprising the Fregat upper stage and payload fairing, is hoisted on top of the launcher.
Please note that this video is filmed in HD, and is available for download.