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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The need for GOCE to fly in a low orbit means it has to compensate for the atmospheric drag it experiences at this exceptionally low altitude. The image shows a close-up of the ion-propulsion assembly, which keeps the satellite in a smooth trajectory – free from all effects except those of gravity itself. Two winglets provide additional aerodynamic stability.