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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World Cup United: how satellites make football a truly global game
The World Cup is underway and all around the planet we will be using space technology to watch the action live from Brazil. Thousands of fans may enjoy the football in person, but it's estimated that over 3.2 billion of us will catch some of the live TV coverage - that's almost half the population of planet Earth. The World Cup is broadcast under what satellite operators call 'occasional use' transmission. That's the name for bandwidth allocated alongside regular broadcasting in order to cover special live events. This month is a busy time. "No matter what the technology that is used at the homes to receive the television, satellites are being used," underlines Xavier Lobao, Head of Future Telecommunications Projects at ESA.