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 topic‘Absolute Zero’ is a jacket developed to protect against harsh environmental conditions. It is based on Aerogel, the best insulating material in the world. Aerogel was used to insulate space probes sent to Mars. It is the only material that can insulate down to minus 50°C and melts at 3000°C. It is also the lightest solid in the world and in its purest form can float on air. Its appearance is similar to dry ice and has been called ‘frozen smoke’. The jacket was designed and developed by Corpo Nove through its research and development lab, Grado Zero Espace, Italy.