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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Extreme weather situations such as thunderstorms and lightning can arise within minutes. If we knew more about the local state of the atmosphere, the genesis of extreme weather could be better forecast. Meteosat Second Generation is equipped with instruments suited for higher resolution and frequent imaging in 12 channels. It observes the processes in the atmosphere in shorter sequences and even distinguishes between water and ice crystal clouds. This data input is essential in the provision of more accurate local weather forecasts.