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 22 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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This three-dimensional image shows the shape of Typhoon Songda, which struck the Japanese homeland in early September 2004. This three-dimensional visualisation of Typhoon Songda was created by combining an Envisat's MERIS image with the height of the top of its clouds, derived from data on a variable also recorded by MERIS known as 'cloud top pressure'. The swirling structure characteristic of tropical cyclones are clearly represented, along with the eye of the storm.