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 Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite and Tropomi instrument. Sentinel-5P is the forerunner of Sentinel-5 to provide timely data on a multitude of trace gases and aerosols affecting air quality and climate. These data will be used for air-quality monitoring services through Europe’s Copernicus programme. Sentinel-5P carries the Tropomi imaging spectrometer. The animation shows the side panels open but before the satellite is launched they will be closed. The satellite will have multilayer insulation material fitted and solar wings attached. In orbit, the antenna (at the top of the structure) will face Earth.