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 topicESTEC is a European Space Agency establishment located in Noordwijk, (Netherlands).
Whatever the mission, be it manned or unmanned, for scientific research, applications or space transportation, a spacecraft and its payload must be able to withstand, first of all, the extreme stresses caused by the mechanical vibrations and the acoustic noise which occur during the launch phase, and, once in orbit, the rigours of the space environment. There is only one way of making sure of this: every single element of the vehicle and the instruments it is carrying must prove to be space worthy and must, therefore, be tested on Earth under conditions simulating those it will meet in space. ESTEC's Test Centre facilities do just that.