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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ESA has helped RUAG Space Switzerland to develop new rocket fairings that offer a smoother quieter ride to space.
RUAG manufactures fairings for Europe’s Ariane and Vega launchers and tested a new low-shock jettison system in a Vega 2.6 m payload fairing. The hinge and actuation system aims to reduce the shock of separating the fairing from the launch vehicle when it reaches space.