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 first light image from ISO's ISOCAM of part of M51 galaxy at a wavelength of 7 micron. This is the unprocessed image as seen in real-time, from an observation lasting 130 seconds. ISOCAM's resolution was set to 6 arcseconds, corresponding to a total field of view of 3x3 arcminutes. Note the nucleus to the top right and two spiral arm segments. [Image Date: 1995/12] [97.07.008-005]