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 Envisat image, acquired on 19 June 2010, features the vibrant colours and varied terrain of South Africa. Johannesburg – South Africa’s largest and most populous city – can be seen at the top of the image. The dark body of water located to its southeast is the country’s biggest and third largest dam by volume – the Vaal Dam. Snow is visible on Lesotho’s Drakensberg Mountains in the east. The emerald green vegetation from the Outeniqua Mountains is visible in the southwest. The city of Port Elizabeth is visible slightly west of the clouds where the coastline forms a crescent. From there, trace the coast all the way eastwards to Durban, the country’s third largest city.