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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A vintage view of a pivotal element of ESA’s test centre in the Netherlands: this is the 16.4 m-high concrete-filled steel door to the Large European Acoustic Facility being raised into position in June 1989.
Today’s LEAF subjects satellites to the same noise a launcher produces as it takes off and flies through the atmosphere. The door helps to keep surrounding vibration-sensitive test facilities screened off from this extreme noise.
To see part of ESA’s test centre for yourself, come to ESA’s Open Day in the Netherlands on Sunday 2 October. For full details, including the programme and how to register to attend, click here.