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
Go to topicThe North Sea, Denmark and Northern Germany feature in this night-time image. The outflow from the Elbe River is clearly visible as a narrrow plume of cold water (shown in yellow) extending from the river mouth into the warmest part of the sea. Note too the strong frontal features in the temperature pattern which occur in the upper part of the image. The Kiel canal is visible as a thin line crossing the Danish peninsula and joining the Elbe Estuary. The demarcation between the Danish mainland and the extensive tidal areas is evident as the difference between the dark brown and lighter brown areas.