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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Piano-wire-like hinge pins were observed drift up to 50cm out of position during the Servicing Mission 3A in 1999 (seen left of centre of the image here). ESA's Hubble team were mobilised to find out whether the hinge pins might be dangerous to astronauts - capable of piercing their spacesuits - and also whether the solar arrays could still be safely furled up again during the next servicing mission.