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 topicA close-up image made with a scanning electron microscope of Microvisk's cilia-like micro-cantilevers. Each cantilever is Π-shaped and 600µ long. The cantilevers are based on Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) technology that propels prototype space bugs through liquids.
The prototypes were designed and developed to monitor hard-to-reach pipes in space stations but the technology is now being used to monitor patients with blood coagulation problems.