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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The twin-propeller plane used to ferry supplies and personnel to the Concordia base in Antarctica.
It takes five hours to complete the 1200 km voyage from the French coastal Antarctic station Dumont D’Urville to Concordia.
The aircraft has to be maintained meticulously because it flies at altitudes where the air pressure is a third less than at sea level, in extreme cold weather.
Concordia research base conducts a programme of research including glaciology, human biology and the atmosphere. ESA uses the base to prepare for future long-duration missions beyond Earth. Situated 3200 m above sea level, it is one of the coldest places on Earth.