Note for Editors

The launch will be available live on www.esa.int

Attending background briefings and launch events

A series of pre-launch press briefings will focus on the contribution from national industry. Launch events will also be organised at the main ESA establishments. The events will centre on the video transmission of the launch, with experts available to provide information.

In Italy, the main launch event will be an ESA ASI joint event at ESA's ESRIN establishment near Rome. More information about the launch event is at: http://www.esa.int/esaCP/Italy.html

In France, a pre-launch media encounter will be held in cooperation with the national space agency, CNES, and a launch event will be held at ESA’s Headquarters in Paris. More information is at: http://www.esa.int/esaCP/France.html

In the Netherlands, a press conference held in partnership with the Netherlands Space Office and Dutch Space is scheduled for 7 February, 10:00 CET. A launch event will be held at ESA’s ESTEC establishment in Noordwijk. More information is at: http://www.esa.int/esaCP/Netherlands.html

In Spain, a Vega information day and press conference day is scheduled for 8 February, 11:00 CET. A launch event will also be held at ESA’s ESAC establishment in Villanueva de la Cañada, near Madrid. More information is at: http://www.esa.int/esaCP/Spain.html

Material for online news sites

The launch video transmission will be available as an embeddable livestream at: http://www.livestream.com/eurospaceagency

Online media outlets can find background videos at the following sites:

• ESA online video archive: http://multimedia.esa.int/
• Broadcast standard (MPEG 2) on the FTP server at: http://television.esa.int/default.cfm

Still images

The latest high-resolution still images can be found at the following sites:

• Multi-Media Gallery:http://www.esa.int/esa-mmg/mmghome.pl
• ESA’s Photo Library for Professionals: http://www.esa-photolibrary.com

Media image queries can be directed to esa.photolibrary@esa.int

Material for broadcasters

Leading up to launch day, ESA TV will be providing broadcasters with a series of video news releases and B-rolls featuring background material, the facilities, and the campaign so far. The launch will be transmitted live from Kourou via satellite. All details can be found on ESA TV’s site at: http://television.esa.int

For further information, please contact:

ESA Media Relations Office
Communication Department
Tel: + 33 1 53 69 72 99
Fax: + 33 1 53 69 76 90
Email: media@esa.int