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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ESA's Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) was launched by Ariane V80 on Nov 17th, 1995. This video gives a summary of the construction, launch and operation of this astronomical satellite.
Arranged as follows: speech by Mr. Xavier Picard, director External Relations, Arianespace; live broadcast from Kourou, French Guiana of launch window, operations room; graphic sequence to show flight path required for satellite deployment, graphics of CSG Kourou, pre-launch assembly, telecommunications link to receive data from ISO, flight information (launcher specifications), ISO specifications, description of satellite's orbit; Arianespace corporate clip; summary of the ISO launch campaign, a description of launch operations, description of ISO's workings by David Dale, Mission Director; operations centre; animation clip to show the objective of ISO (with images from previous astronomical missions), animation of the way in which ISO will work; various shots of launcher assembly; cleanroom footage including an interview wit