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 Polar Platform (PPF) Service Module (SM) flight model during preparation in December 1996 for the thermal balance and thermal vacuum tests at ESTEC. The SM, right side, is attached to the PPF Integration Stand via the Ariane 5 launcher interface. The black box on the left side simulates the PPF Payload Module. [Image Date: 01-12-96] [97.01.004-009]