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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Envisat is scheduled for a launch by an Ariane 5 rocket in February 2002. The satellite will lift off from Europe’s launch site in Kourou, French Guiana.
Envisat is a truly advanced Earth observing satellite with a unique combination of sensors that will vastly improve the range and accuracy of scientific measurements of the atmosphere, oceans, land surface and ice. Its total range of capabilities far exceeds those of any previous or planned Earth observation satellite. The picture shows integration of the complete Envisat/Polar Platform Flight Model in ESA ESTEC centre.