The ESA-developed launch vehicles, Ariane 6 and Vega-C, launch from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana to ensure independent access to space.
These vehicles support a wide range of commercial functions, such as telecommunications, Earth Observation and navigation. The reusable Space Rider spacecraft offering up to two-months of research in orbit also falls under ESA’s space transportation directorate.
The Agency also supports new space transportation services in the private sector through two additional programmes:
- Boost!, ESA’s commercial space transportation services and support programme
- The Future Space Transportation Ecosystem Programme, formerly known as FLPP, which steers the development of new technologies for orbital economy
Discover the ESA Space Transportation website
