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 Copernicus Sentinel-3A’s ocean and land colour instrument can ‘see’ chlorophyll in vegetation. The animation shows how chlorophyll, which is essential in photosynthesis, around the world changed between 1 April and 27 May 2017. While tropical rainforests can be seen to maintain a high degree of chlorophyll, the animation clearly shows the progress of spring greening in the northern hemisphere. This is particularly evident in the eastern part of the USA. It also captures the progress of agricultural planting for summer crops across China where planting normally takes place between March and May. Here various stages of growth are captured. The chlorophyll index ranges from 1 to 6.5.