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 topicThe first Spacelab mission was launched in November, 1983. This video starts by underlining the importance of high-altitude research, and the need for a reusable purpose-built vehicle. The initial decision of Europe to participate in the American shuttle missions is covered, along with footage of assembly of the Spacelab module in Bremen, Germany. The various components of Spacelab are described using models, and pre-mission training clips include Ulf Merbold in the Spacelab simulator. The video explains how experiments for the Spacelab mission were chosen by committee, and introduces a crew which includes Merbold and Oeckels. The documentary culminates in the launch of the first Spacelab mission.
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