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 topicThank you for liking
You have already liked this page, you can only like it once!
The Aeolus satellite being checked for leaks at Intespace in Toulouse, France. The satellite has two pressurised tanks that are used for its propulsion system and for the instrument’s oxygen-cleaning system. Both have to be tested to ensure there aren’t any leaks and that the valves work correctly. Although the engineers do not use any toxic substances and there isn’t any risk of explosion, these tests are carried out in a special room at Intespace.