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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The satcom-based Planet service was developed with ESA’s help for air–ground communications in light aircraft. It is now used for larger aircraft and rotorcraft worldwide.
The Planet system has multiple applications. Airbus has used it in Asia, Europe and North America to study the formation of ice crystals on aircraft at high altitude. Planet delivered colour-enhanced infrared satellite imagery as well as icing maps in real time to make the icing encounters as productive as possible.