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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Bad weather hit Concordia research station in Antarctica in early October 2013.
The crew had to face winds that piled snow metres high, blocking doors and blowing experiments away.
For nine months, a crew of up to 15 live in isolation in the twin towers of Concordia conducting research on the icy plateau 3200 m above sea level. The Sun never rises above the horizon for four months and no access is possible – the nearest life is some 600 km away at the Russian Vostok base.
Preparing for exploration of our Solar System, ESA runs life-science experiments on the crew as they adapt to life in these harsh conditions.