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
Go to topicThe Y-ring is located on top of the upper stage of the Ariane 5 launcher and gets its name from the Y-shaped connection of the outer cylinder structure with the conical inner structure.
The manufacturing of this complex geometry with CFRP technologies (resin transfer moulding and 3D preform) has the potential of mass savings of 30% in comparison with the current metallic structure while simultaneously possessing a high structural strength and stiffness.