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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Sizes of key components of the ExoMars mission.
The parachutes that will help slow the descent module through the martian atmosphere are compared in size to the iconic landmark of Elizabeth Tower ('Big Ben'), in London, UK. The descent module will deliver the surface platform and rover to the martian surface. The rover is stowed inside the surface platform, and will drive off one of the two ramps that will be deployed after landing.