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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Surpassing scientific expectations and exceeding its planned life in orbit, the Aeolus wind mission has been hailed as one of ESA’s most successful Earth observation missions. At the end of its life in orbit and with fuel depleted, ESA’s mission control team attempted a first-of-its-kind reentry to guide this remarkable satellite down to Earth’s atmosphere for a safe reentry.
This assisted reentry is one just part of ESA’s wider commitment to the long-term safety and sustainability of space activities. By 2030, all ESA missions will be ‘debris neutral’ – the Agency is making sure the technology is ready not just for present-day regulations, but to make possible even more ambitious rules for the future.
Read full story: Aeolus: a historic end to a trailblazing mission