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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Venus spectra from Envisat's SCIAMACHY, measured in the near infrared range between 800 nm and 1.6 µm in March and June. Wavelengths between 970 nm and 1.1 µm with uncertain calibration are masked out. The modelled spectrum (inset) by SRON uses carbon dioxide (CO2) as absorber and H2SO4 clouds as scatterer. It fits nicely both observations. Molecules for some absorption features are indicated.