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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Alphabus, the platform on which Alphasat is based, is Europe’s response to the worldwide market demand for larger telecommunication payloads aimed at direct-to-home TV broadcasting, digital audio broadcasting, broadband access and mobile services. The above video was shown at the 2011 Paris Airshow at the ESA Pavilion.
Alphabus was jointly designed and built by Astrium and Thales Alenia Space, teamed with established industrial partners in Europe. With Alphabus, European industry has significantly extended its telecom satellite range beyond the capabilities of previous platforms. It is available on the commercial market to accommodate missions with up to 22 kW of payload power and payload mass of up to 2 tonnes.