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 Huygens Probe is shown (far side) in its mounted configuration on the Cassini spacecraft, as it will be during the launch and 7-year cruise to Saturn. The large High Gain Antenna dominates the upper spacecraft and during cruise shades the Probe from direct solar illumination. During the Probe's descent to Titan's surface, however, the antenna is pointed to the predicted landing site to collect Huygens' data for onboard storage. Cassini is then re-oriented to its 'normal' attitude and communications re-established with Earth to transmit the recorded data. [Image Date: 01-01-97] [97.06.001-003]