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A history of the European Space Agency

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Early years - photo montage from the 'History of ESA', ESA SP-1235.

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The pioneers of ESA

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The text of the ESA Convention was approved by the Conference of Plenipotentiaries, Paris 30 May 1975. ESA functioned de facto from 31 May 1975 - the ESA Convention entered into force 30 October 1980.

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Credits: ESA

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During the past 25 years ESA has created Europe’s own launchers (Ariane 1 to 5) and established a convincing European presence in operations in orbit.

Last update: 3 September 2010

European space pioneers

30 years of ESA in pictures

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Past Directors General of ESA ESRO Directors General ELDO Secretaries General ESOC history A history of European space science ESA Publications

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