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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Gaia’s service module has undergone thermal–vacuum testing inside the SIMLES facility at Intespace, Toulouse. The service module is the cylindrical component seen in the image, covered in silver and black insulation sheets. It sits on a temporary tripod inside the barrel-shaped test chamber, which is seen here in an open configuration. A bundle of test cables connect to various temperature sensors and test heaters. The test lasted for 19 consecutive days between 23 July and 10 August.