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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On 12 October 2012 a Soyuz lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana on its mission to carry the third and fourth satellites of Europe’s Galileo global navigation satellite system into orbit.
This time-lapse movie shows the three-stage Soyuz transfer from the assembly and testing building to the launch pad, where it is then raised to the vertical position. Once in the mobile gantry, the upper composite, comprising the satellites and Fregat-MT upper stage, is hoisted on top of the vehicle. The gantry is then rolled back, clearing the way for Soyuz to lift off. VS03 was the third Soyuz flight from Europe’s Spaceport.