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 topicA computer model of nanocomposite metals being cast. The pyramid shapes are called dendrites and show where the metal is solidifying. In the second half of the video the metal atoms attach to ceramic nanoparticles creating a kaleidoscopic effect known as grain refinement. These smaller ‘grains’ improve the quality and mechanical properties of the final metal. Exomet is finding ways of recreating this process on an industrial scale.