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
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Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Melas Chasma is part of the huge Valles Marineris rift valley on Mars. Melas Chasma itself sinks 9 km below the surrounding surface, making it one of the lowest depressions on the planet. On 1 July 2006, the High Resolution Stereo Camera on ESA’s Mars Express spacecraft obtained images of Melas Chasma at approximately 10°S/290°E. The data were acquired during orbit 3195 and the resolution of the image is approximately 23 m per pixel. Combining data from the nadir channel and one stereo channel of HRSC produced this 3D image. Stereoscopic glasses are required to see the 3D effect. This image covers 200 x 100 km and covers an area of roughly 20 000 sq km, which is about the size of Slovenia.