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 Concordia research station in Antarctica is a place of extremes: for nine months no supplies can be delivered, the nearest living beings are 600 km away at the Russian Vostok station, and the Sun does not rise above the horizon for four months in the winter.
A winter stay at Concordia can be very difficult and challenging, both physically and emotionally. The long separation from close relatives and friends can place a significant emotional strain on the crewmembers.
Monotony is a factor to contend with and comes in several forms including sensory, intellectual, recreational and social. Sensory monotony is profound. There are very few colours, sounds or smells in the environment or on the station, and those that do exist hardly change.