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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This video captures a surprising view of Sentinel-3A on its way into orbit amidst the flickering green of the northern lights. The footage, which was taken from Karigasniemi in northern Finland, shows Sentinel-3A’s rocket and either what could be the jettisoned first or second stage of the rocket following behind. Sentinel-3A was launched from Plesetsk in Russia 1000 km away at 17:57 GMT (18:57 CET) on 16 February 2016. This footage was taken from a hilltop (N69°24.0' E25°51.0' ) about six minutes after liftoff. Carrying a suit of cutting-edge instruments, Sentinel-3A will measure Earth’s oceans, land, ice and atmosphere for Europe’s Copernicus programme.