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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ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite and Φsat-2 satellite were lofted into orbit on 16 August at 20:56 CEST (11:56 local time) aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US.
ESA's Arctic Weather Satellite is a prototype mission that aims to improve weather forecasts in the Arctic – a region that currently lacks data for accurate short-term forecasts. The satellite will build on existing Arctic monitoring satellites and will provide precise, short-term weather forecasts for the Arctic region.
Φsat-2, pronounced phisat-2, is a cubesat that will further demonstrate the benefits of using AI for innovative Earth observation. Measuring only 22 x 10 x 33 cm, this miniature satellite is equipped with a state-of-the-art multispectral camera and a powerful AI computer that analyses and processes imagery while in orbit.
Read full story: New satellite demonstrates the power of AI for Earth observation
Read full story: Arctic Weather Satellite lifts off to set the stage for better forecasts