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 Sun and Earth seen from the International Space Station on 24 May 2020. The height of the Sun over the horizon is called the beta angle and its position can influence Space Station operations.
The Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor, ASIM, observes lightning from above and tracks the unseen things that are happening above our heads, from gamma ray bursts to elves and sprites. The space-based thunderstorm-hunter outside Columbus monitors Earth at all times, with some exceptions. When spacecraft arrive or leave the Space Station, ASIM is switched off so the sensitive instruments do not get damaged by their bright navigation lights. When the Sun is too low on the horizon its light can saturate ASIM’s sensors too.