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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Giotto spacecraft during the solar simulation test in May 1985. During the test, the spacecraft was spinning at 10 rpm. The solar radiation was simulated by 36 lamps with a total power that varied from 1250 to 1800 Watts/m² and an aspect angle that varied from 35° to 130° to simulate the effect of the Sun on the spacecraft during the various phases of the mission for verification of the thermal model.