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 topicLast month ESA retired ERS-2 satellite after an astonishing 16 years of service. The veteran satellite was shut down after its orbit was lowered to reduce the risk of collision with other satellites and space debris.
ERS-2 was launched in 1995, four years after ERS-1, the first European Remote Sensing satellite.
The ERS-satellites have been providing scientists with high-quality data for 20 years.
An unprecedented accomplishment and an enormous achievement for Earth Observation, the two missions not only paved the way for satellite technology in the areas of atmosphere, land, ocean and ice monitoring but also for the understanding of our home planet.
This A and B rolls recall what ERS have accomplished with interviews of Volker Liebig, ESA Earth Observation Programmes Director and of several scientists who worked on ERS missions and results.
More backgroud information can be found on: http://www.esa.int/esaEO/SEM8Q40UDSG_index_0.html