LEAF door during construction

A vintage view of a pivotal element of ESA’s test centre in the Netherlands: this is the 16.4 m-high concrete-filled steel door to the Large European Acoustic Facility being raised into position in June 1989.

Today’s LEAF subjects satellites to the same noise a launcher produces as it takes off and flies through the atmosphere. The door helps to keep surrounding vibration-sensitive test facilities screened off from this extreme noise.

To see part of ESA’s test centre for yourself, come to ESA’s Open Day in the Netherlands on Sunday 2 October. For full details, including the programme and how to register to attend, click here.