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 topicWith the launch of CryoSat-2, ESA now has three Earth Explorer missions in orbit. GOCE and SMOS launched last year are already providing valuable results. Even before entering its operational phase in a few weeks time, SMOS has been sending back data surpassing expectations on soil moisture and ocean salinity. Compared to measurements taken on the ground, this satellite data is proving to be remarkably accurate. This A & B-Roll reviews these latest exciting results with imagery, and interviews of the mission's leading actors: Achim HAHNE, ESA Project manager, Yann KERR, Principal Investigator, CESBIO Toulouse, and Jordi FONT, co-lead investigator at CSIC Barcelona.