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 topicThank you for liking
You have already liked this page, you can only like it once!
The airbag system on Raphaëla Le Gouvello’s windsurfer is seen here in tests done in France after mounting of the final version on the board. The picture illustrates how the inflated airbag system blocks a complete 180-degree turnover. The airbag using ESA technology is inflated within seconds and has a total inflated volume of 170 litres, sufficient to control the 550 kg heavy board. The specially built surfboard was used by Raphaëla le Gouvello to cross the Pacific Ocean.