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 assembly of the very first Soyuz to be launched from French Guiana on 20 October began on 12 September in the assembly and testing building – known by its original ‘MIK’ Russian acronym. The three-stage Soyuz ST-B comprises four first-stage boosters clustered around the core second stage, topped off by the third stage. The rocket will carry the first two satellites of Europe’s Galileo navigation system into orbit.
This time-lapse movie shows the assembly activities between 13-19 September 2011.
Please note that this video is filmed in HD, and is available for download.