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 topicPart one of the series 'ERS-Watching The World.' ESA's European Remote Sensing satellites ERS-1 and ERS-2 were launched in 1991 and 1995 respectively. In addition to providing scientific data, these satellites now support operational and commercial applications of Earth observation worldwide. This five-part series gives an overview of the structure, use and capabilities of the ERS satellites. 'The Ongoing Mission' describes the structure of the ERS satellites, and examines the functions of their various instruments; ground support for the missions is also discussed.