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
Go to topicToday, about 90% of worldwide non-bulk cargo moves by some 18 millions containers, mainly constructed in steel. A Belgian company has developed a new type of container in composite material that reduces their tare weight and increases their load capacity by 10%. Special simulation software developed by ESA to design composite elements for space structures was used to determine the best design of the containers. The container harbour in the South Korean Port of Busan is shown here.