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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This picture, taken on 16 April 2008 at ESA's European Space Research and Technology Centre, The Netherlands, shows the mirror of the Herschel telescope with its protective cover, ready to be lifted for installation on to the cryostat.
Herschel’s huge telescope will allow scientists to look deep into space by collecting long-wavelength infrared light. Some of the infrared wavelengths covered by Herschel will be made available for space-based observations for the first time.