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 Structural/Thermal Test Model (STM) of ESA's Integral gamma-ray observatory was tested at ESTEC during June-September 1998. Following the thermal-vacuum testing in the Large Space Simulator (LSS), the STM (divided into its Payload Module and Service Module) underwent mass property measurements in the Multi-shaker area, and was then moved into the Large European Acoustic Facility (LEAF). Integral is planned for launch in 2001 to perform fine imaging and spectroscopy of 15 keV to 10 MeV celestial gamma-ray sources. The flight model of ESA's Artemis telecommunications demonstration satellite can be seen in the background of this photograph. [Image Date: 1998/09] [98.09.004-002]