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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Compilation of rushes of the arrival and launch preparations at Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, of ESA's XMM observatory, launched by Ariane 504 on December 9th, 1999.
This tape incorporates arrival of MN Toucan vessel at Kourou harbour; unloading 504 launcher stages; transport by convoy to Guiana Space Centre (CSG); various shots of launcher erected in integration building; integration of booster stage; rollout of launcher from integration building to final assembly building; rollout launcher lower composite to launchpad; XMM arrival by MN Toucan, Kourou; various shots of XMM in final assembly building; rollout Ariane 504 to launchpad; various footage of launch of Ariane 504 / XMM including control room countdown and live commentary; speeches by Jean-Marie Luton, Chairman and CEO Arianespace, and Roger Bonnet, Director Science, ESA; selection of technical footage of launch including thermal imaging.
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