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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The MELiSSA (Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative) programme is investigating ways of producing food, water and oxygen on long manned space missions that will support life forms with almost no external resources or waste.
Inspired by an aquatic ecosystem, MELiSSA uses mechanical processes, bioreactors, membranes and so on to achieve a total conversion of organic waste and carbon dioxide to recycle them into oxygen, water and food.
Waste products and air pollutants are processed using the natural metabolism of plants which in return provide food, oxygen for air revitalisation and contribute to water purification.