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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Artist impression of European Data Relay Satellite (EDRS) system
EDRS is an independent, European satellite system designed to reduce time delays in the transmission of large quantities of data.
To add to Europe’s independence, the EDRS system will provide a telecommunications network that is fast, reliable and seamless. It will make on-demand data available at the right place at the right time, and will ultimately save lives in search and rescue operations.
Data relay satellites are placed in geostationary orbit to relay information to and from non-geostationary satellites, spacecraft, other vehicles and fixed Earth stations, which otherwise are not able to permanently communicate.