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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Europe's Ariane 503 rocket was launched on October 20th,1998. The launch successfully completed the series of three test flights, thus qualifying the new launcher for commercial use. ESA's ARD [Atmospheric Re-entry Demonstrator] was one of its passengers,
After a successful sub-orbital flight, the ARD was recovered from the Pacific ocean by the French Navy. This video details recovery training, launch of the ARD and the recovery itself. Interviews with: Lieutenant de vaisseau J-Pierre Boin, Commandant le REVI; Thierry Levuegle, Responsable Recuperation, Aerospatiale.
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