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
Go to topicA short film on the S4 Saturn rocket second stage, manufactured by the Douglas corporation. The film gives an overview of the launch of this component, the first 'live' second stage to be utilised by NASA. Footage as follows: December 1963 footage from Cape Kennedy, Florida, of the first test launch of a Saturn 1 vehicle employing the S4 second stage; design and manufacture by the Douglas air company; pre-launch assembly; model of the S4 stage; April 1963, Santa Monica California, arrival of S4 stage - transportation by sea, installation to test stand; fuelling with cryogenic propellant, ignition and test firing; loading of stage aboard modified transport aircraft, plane takes off; unloading of stage, transferral to assembly building; first stage in assembly building showing helium spheres; integration of S4 stage, and payload bay; integrated tests on Saturn launch vehicle; January 29th, 1964 - countdown, launch, in-flight separation footage.
Not available