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.
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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 30th March, Matra Marconi will sign a contract with ESA for development of the Mars Express project. In addition to being ESA's first journey to Mars, the project will aslo be the cheapest ever mission to the Red Planet. Due to be launched in 2003, Mars Express will comprise an Orbiter and Lander which will search the planet for water - and the possibility of life.
This cassette - broadcast from ESA headquarters on the day of the contract signing - contains footage of ESA Director-General Antonia Rodota and Matra Marconi 's Chief Executive Officer Armand Carlier giving post-signing speeches and signing the contract. It is followed by a segment of the Mars Express VNR B-roll [production number 000816].
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