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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This optical microscope image shows the 150 micrometer particle RA-QD02-0023, the largest Itokawa regolith particle studied by the team. It is a silicate-rich grain that was mostly nanoindented along one long line, marked in the image. The surface-polished grain itself is seen embedded in resin, with holes and patches from previous analyses.