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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ESA's Huygens was the first spacecraft to land on a world in the outer Solar System. In January 2005, it landed on the surface of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, and the only moon in the Solar System to possess a thick atmosphere.
The gold-coloured foil blanket helped to control the probe's temperature during the interplanetary cruise phase. The heat-resistant tiles covering the front shield are hidden underneath the foil and provided protection against the very high temperatures that are generated during the entry into Titan's atmosphere.