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 topicExtreme sports adventurer Raphaela Le Gouvello will windsurf across the Pacific Ocean from Peru to Australia. Her epic journey starts in August 2003, with the first stage to Tahiti, Polynesia, to be reached after 80 days windsurfing about 4300 nautical miles or 8000 Km. Raphaela Le Gouvello used a windsurfer to cross the Atlantic Ocean in 2000, and the Mediterranean in 2002. Space technology will be helping her windsurf safer though her third and longest voyage. Flexible solar cells secure electricity while an innovative airbag system guards against capsizing. Both innovations were produced by European space industries as spin-off from European space programmes. The picture illustrates the trip’s three stages: First stage is from Peru to Tahiti, 4300 nautical miles or 8000 km, and to be completed during August-November 2003. Second stage is from Tahiti via Fiji Islands to New Caledonia, 2720 nautical miles or 5000 km, planned spring 2004. Third stage is from New Caledonia to Australia where the expedition will end near Brisbane, south of the Great Barrier Reef. When Raphaela Le Gouvello has completed her mission in 2004 she will have windsurfed more than 14,000 km.