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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Flight configuration of Maqsat-H. Maqsat-H, 2300 kg, 5 m high, used 34 sensors to measure acceleration, vibration, shock and acoustic noise at different locations during the launch of Ariane 502. Flight data (32 Mbytes) were recorded within the first 4 min of ignition, and then transmitted to Kourou during the following 4 min. The Maqsat-H structure itself, including a simulated solar panel, fulfilled various frequency and stiffness requirements and had the dimensions of a typical large communications satellite. Maqsat-H was released after Ariane achieved geostationary orbit. [Image Date: 1997-10-00] [97.09.013-002]