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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New Zealand’s South Island is pictured in this Envisat image from 4 April 2012. There are a number of lakes throughout the island, but one that stands out in particular is Lake Pukaki, at the centre of the image. The bright blue colouring of its waters comes from the extremely fine rock particles fed into the water from the glaciers. To the northeast, the light green colouring of Lake Ellesmere / Te Waihora can be seen. Peeking out from between the clouds to the south is Stewart Island/Rakiura – the country’s third largest island.
This image is featured on the Earth from Space video programme.