Technology

When most ESA missions are first envisioned, the technology that will make them possible does not exist – yet. It is the job of ESA’s Technology team to identify the key developments needed to move forward the ‘state-ofthe- art’ in spaceflight, systematically transforming planned technologies into tangible reality with a sufficient level of performance and reliability that they are ready to fly in space – so that the right technology is ready at just the right time.

ESA teams are specialised in all aspects of spaceflight, and work with many of Europe’s most advanced companies and research institutions. Advanced missions need advanced testing, so we have access to world-beating space laboratories and the largest satellite test centre in Europe.