ESA to launch Gaia satellite into space

ESA will be launching Gaia satellite into the space using the Soyuz-STB/Fregat launch vehicle from the Guiana Space Center (French Guiana) in 2012. Gaia, ESA's next generation star mapper, will be placed into the deep space beyond the lunar orbit. According to a media release by Arianespace, the contract was signed on Wednesday by David Southwood, ESA’s Director of Science and Robotic Exploration with Jean-Yves LeGall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, at ESA Headquarters in Paris. More

(Source: Brahmand Defence and Aerospace News - Dec 17)