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 'blank' for Herschel's main mirror wss 3.5 metres in diameter and was fabricated by brazing together 12 segments. The segments were formed by isostatic pressing and sintering of silicon carbide. The mirror blank became the biggest silicon carbide structure in the world and the completed mirror became the largest single-component telescope reflector ever made for use in space.