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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On 4th August 1984, Ariane 3 lifted off for the first time. This was the tenth flight (V10) of a launch vehicle in the Ariane family. It placed into orbit two telecommunications satellites, Telecom 1A and ECS.
So began the commercial career of the European launch vehicle, as well as that of Arianespace, which from flight V9 on, took total responsibility for Ariane launches.
Ariane 3 made a record 11 flights from 1984 to 1989, all of which were successful.