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
Go to topicThank you for liking
You have already liked this page, you can only like it once!
Cos-B's gamma-ray detector package awaiting integration at MBB. At the near end is the anti-coincidence shield, with the spark chamber behind. At the far end is the Trigger Telescope. ESA's Cos-B, launched 9 August 1975, provided the first complete galactic survey in high-energy gamma-rays. Before this, the gamma-ray Universe had largely been invisible to astronomers. Designed for a 1-2 year life, it operated successfully until April 1982. [Image Date: 1974/02] [74.03.053-004]