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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One of the satellite dishes at Concordia research base in Antarctica.
Concordia is impossible to reach or leave during the winter months and any problems have to be solved by the crew on their own.
To add to the isolation, the base experiences over four months of complete darkness when the Sun never appears over the horizon.
Satellite phones and internet are the only means of communication.
ESA is studying the effects of isolation in preparation for future space missions.