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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This is the now traditional start of the year item by the ESA TV Service, with a summary of the main ESA events that are scheduled for the rest of the year.
This exchange comprises of a 5 minute A-roll with split audio (english commentary/international sound) and is complimented by a B-roll with clean international sound.
2004 Preview Programme
10.00.40.00 Begin programme
ESAÕs Mars lander Beagle 2 was released on 19 December by itÕs mother shipMars Express, after a 400 million kilometre interplanetary cruise. Six days later it entered the Martian atmosphere as planned.But since then, it has been awfully quiet on Mars. (Beqgle-2 being released from Mars Express and making entry in MarsÕ atmosphere)
10.00.57.00
So far, all attempts to communicate with Beagle 2 have failed, but ESA scientists are still hoping for a signal from the small lander. However Mars Express itself , is very successfulso far. It is now in a polar orbit, and has already sent itÕs first images of the red planet. Many more will follow. (Control room Darmstadt, Mars Express anim)
10.01.18.00
While the fate of Beagle 2 is still uncertain, an American lander, called Spirit, manageda soft landing on the Mars surface, using an airbag system. It is now ready to leave itÕs platform and start exploring Mars.(Spirit animations)
10.01.30.00
The difficult