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
Go to topicA film which gives an overview of the International Space Station [ISS]. Starting with a brief history of manned spaceflight leading to the development of the International Space Station, the potential for research in five areas is highlighted - biotechnology, medicine, fluid physics, agriculture and general industry. The structure of the station is outlined, along with the concept of the partnership of contributing nations. The film shows construction of the various components, and animated descriptions of their function; the assembly of the station is discussed, with footage of shuttle, Proton [animation] and Soyuz launches. The film ends with a look at the control of the ISS, and its monitoring through a ground-based communications network.
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