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 view inside Proba-V's Hermod guest technology payload – named for a divine messenger in Norse mythology – to test novel multi-line fibre optic cables with the same kind of high-density connectors employed by terrestrial industry. The experiment comprises 12 fibres inside four independent transmission lines with eight high link connectors. The associated electronics generate randomised signals to pass through the system, and measures the bit rate error over time. The aim is to build up a detailed statistical picture of how the different connectors perform across the satellite’s lifetime, combined with additional orbital and environmental parameters such as temperature measurements. ESA worked with Norwegian company T&G Elektro and Spanish firm DAS Photonics to meet the strict three-month deadline to fly on Proba-V.