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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Engineering model of a shape memory alloy valve for testing as part of the satellite end-of-life passivation element of ESA’s CleanSat programme. Shape memory alloys can change into a preset shape through heating. The aim is to use them as part of a propellant tank valve. At the mission end, the actuator’s shape would be changed to break open a valve and, once opened, the valve would stay open.