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 topicData coming from satellites and field work can help to better understand and combat the spread of epidemics. This is the aim of ESA's Epidemio project. Very serious human diseases, such as malaria and meningitis, are linked to environmental factors. With satellite remote sensing we can gather information on these factors and help researchers to better understand diseases. The European Space Agency's Epidemio project, launched in 2004, combines data from Earth Observation satellites, such as ESA's Envisat, with field work to combat the spread of epidemics. By establishing a relationship between environmental conditions and epidemics, it is possible for public health officials to better prepare for and even fight the spread of diseases.