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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The Solar Orbiter spacecraft in the IABG magnetic field simulation facility in Ottobrunn, Germany. The facility is located just outside the premises in a nearby forest to avoid interference with human-generated magnetic fields, consists completely of non-magnetic materials like wood, and contains twelve 15-m coils – nearly as large as the building – to create a homogeneous magnetic environment that compensates Earth’s own magnetic field, simulating outer space conditions.
Tests performed here in June verified the magnetic behaviour of the unpowered spacecraft, to make sure the magnetic field of Solar Orbiter is low enough so that the Magnetometer (MAG) instrument can operate at its most sensitive range.
Solar Orbiter is an ESA-led mission with strong NASA participation. The prime contractor is Airbus Defence and Space in Stevenage, UK.