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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Primary productivity in the oceans forms the basis of marine life and also plays a role in the carbon cycle. While important for the marine food chain, some algae blooms can be toxic to humans, marine ecosystems and fisheries. The imaging spectrometer on Sentinel-3 will be used to monitor aquatic biological productivity and marine pollution. The same instrument can measure differences in the ‘colour’ of the land, allowing scientists to monitor the way land is being used and helping resource managers to plan. It also provides indices on the health of our vegetation, which is essential for agricultural practices and food production.