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 topicThis 10:15 minute programme describes Mars Express, ESA's mission to Mars designed to shed new light on the Martian atmosphere and the planets's surface and sub-surface. It then goes behind the scenes to show the training that goes on at ESA's Operation Centre in Darmstadt, Germany, which is responsible for giving commands to the spacecraft and ensuring the mission runs smoothly. Training includes simulated failures of the spacecraft and its instruments to ensure that all the team are prepared for any eventuality once the spacecraft is launched. |