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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Along with its sleek design, the gravity-mapping GOCE mission achieved drag-free flight with an electric ion propulsion system mounted at the back of the satellite. Unlike conventional engines, it used electrically-charged xenon to create a gentle thrust. The system continually generated tiny forces to counteract the drag the satellite experienced as it cut through the remnants of Earth’s atmosphere.