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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A sintered petal manufactured as part of the Herschel telescope main mirror, taken at the premises of EADS Astrium on 3 May 2001. A total of 12 petals were produced to form the mirror - the technique having first been proven with a subscale nine-piece demonstrator mirror.
In 2001 this was the largest silicon carbide piece ever produced (size 70 x 160 cm). It was manufactured by EADS Astrium and Boostec (France).