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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Galileo satellite prepared for testing in ESTEC’s Large European Acoustic Facility. LEAF is the largest sound system in Europe. Nitrogen shot through giant sound horns produces noise of up to 154 decibels, like standing close to a jet taking off. Once the massive door of the LEAF is closed, its 0.5 m-thick steel-reinforced concrete walls serve to safely contain the sound, coated in turn with thick epoxy resin. The chamber itself is supported on rubber bearing pads to isolate it from its surroundings.