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.
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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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Aurora Australis
“I have observed many auroras during the Alpha mission, whereas I hardly saw any during my first mission, Proxima. As the Moon was high and bright, it lit the clouds up from above, which created an unusual atmosphere… and almost turned the aurora blue.”
Les aurores AUSTRALes
« J’ai observé de très nombreuses aurores australes pendant Alpha, alors que j’en avais à peine aperçu une pendant ma mission précédente, Proxima. La Lune était haute et très brillante, elle éclairait les nuages en créant une atmosphère très particulière et elle a rendu cette aurore polaire… presque bleue .»
Text by Thomas Pesquet.
Texte de Thomas Pesquet.