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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BepiColombo cartoon characters Bepi, Mio and MTM make their second of six flybys at Mercury.
The microphone and headphones represent the 'sounds' that the spacecraft record during a planetary flyby. In reality, magnetic and accelerometer data are converted ('sonified') into sounds that are audible to the human ear. This may include an impression of the solar wind, or the flexing of the spacecraft as it responds to the change in temperature as it flew from the night to dayside of the planet, and to the immense gravitational pull of the planet.
Note: This image was updated on 3 January 2025 to reflect updated mission information.