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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Portugal’s iNanoEnergy start-up is developing wearable generators small enough to embed in clothes and shoes to generate usable power. This close-up of a miniature generator combines two technologies with space heritage. ‘Thermoelectricity’ involves converting heat into electricity, often applied to power spacecraft in deep space from radioactive decay. ‘Piezoelectricity’ generates electricity from compression or other mechanical stress, and is used in spacecraft sensors and actuators.