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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A review of ESA's astrometrical mission, Hipparcos (High Precision Parallax-Collecting Satellite), launched on the 8th August 1989.
This highly graphic presentation explains how Hipparcos was able to locate stars approximately 100 times more accurately than is possible from the ground. The principle of parallax is outlined, along with the methods used by the instrument to gather information. Data analysis is covered, using examples such as the collision between the comet Shoemaker-Levy and the planet Jupiter to illustrate the revolutionary accuracy provided by Hipparcos. The documentary also provides some specific information on the dynamics, composition and geography of our galaxy in light of the satellite's findings.
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