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 22 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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ATV's ground segment comprises the hardware, software and networks on the ground used to operate the spacecraft in orbit, send commands and receive telemetry. The ground segment inter-operates with the hardware and software on board ATV (referred to as the 'flight segment') via terrestrial and in-orbit communication links. Think of it as just one big 'system of systems'.