ESA Bulletin 150 (May 2012)
To celebrate the 150th edition of the ESA Bulletin we have a few special features this month, from a cover showing the evolution from the first issue in June 1975 through various styles to today's Bulletins, to a 3D gallery and a complete Bulletin archive.
Read online
Following a special introduction by ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain, there is a short look at some of the programmes of 1975, as they appeared in Bulletin No.1, the origins of some of today's missions and how they have led to programmes of the future.
Then put on your 3D glasses (included with this issue) and immerse yourself in the world of the space, without leaving planet Earth. In SPACE IN 3D, we treat your senses to a new viewing experience on a three-dimensional tour of the International Space Station and brief history of the development of 3D imaging in space.
Destination Moon describes how the European Lunar Lander is opening a new era for exploration. The Moon is a stepping stone on the path of human exploration beyond low Earth orbit, but taking this next step means demonstrating new technologies and learning more about this challenging environment. The European Lunar Lander intends to do just that.
Earth observation from space is also entering a new era, characterised by a growing number of increasingly advanced and sophisticated satellite missions. These new missions will provide an unprecedented capacity to observe and monitor the Earth system and its dynamics.
Exploiting this capacity represents a unique opportunity for innovation and science so, in anticipation, ESA launched a new initiative in its Earth Observation Programme, called the Support To Science Element (STSE). Here we look in more detail how the STSE is providing an efficient, flexible and dynamic mechanism to support scientists and industry in Member States.