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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SMOS payload undergoing testing in the Maxwell Facility at ESA-ESTEC, The Netherlands. The instrument, called MIRAS (Microwave Imaging Radiometer using Aperture Synthesis), consists of a central structure and three deployable arms. 69 antenna elements are equally distributed over the three arms and central structure. Each antenna arm is about 3.5 metres long.