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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A shoreline of the northeastern Caspian Sea is pictured in this satellite image.
The Caspian Sea is the largest landlocked water body in the world, with a surface area of 371 000 sq km – larger than Germany.
The shallow northern section of the Sea has an average depth of about 5–6 m, although it fluctuates depending on variations in river flow and wind-driven currents. The water appears green in this image, indicating an algal bloom.
Caused by heightened levels of phosphorus – found in fertilisers, detergents and unfiltered sewage – finding its way into the water, these blooms deplete the amount of oxygen in the water. This causes a reduction in aquatic life and poses a threat to rich fisheries: the Caspian Sea is an important site for sturgeon, which yield roe (eggs) that are processed into caviar.
The mineral-rich land of Kazakhstan’s Mangistau region is visible along the bottom of the image. With large fossil fuel reserves and an abundant supply of other minerals and metals, Mangistau is sometimes called the ‘treasure peninsula’ of Kazakhstan.
This image was acquired on 26 September 2012 by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute’s Kompsat-2 satellite.