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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Electronic components being printed by the Nano Dimension DragonFly IV printer.
The functionality of any space mission is determined by its electrical, electronic and electro-mechanical (EEE) components. Individually small in size, a standard satellite can contain thousands of active and passive devices, along with several kilometres of connective links. ESA is looking into printing these electronics, to boost overall robustness while driving down mass, manufacturing lead times, and cost.
Printed electronics involves 3D printing a variety of electrically active materials such as metals or carbon-doped polymers to form devices like transistors, capacitors and resistors, plus the electrical connectors linking them together.