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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ESA microelectronics engineer Roland Weigand explains the importance of the Next Generation Microprocessor, currently undergoing evaluation. This quadcore space-optimised microprocessor will boost the broad range of capabilities of European space missions for many years to come.
ESA has been working with industry to develop specialised microprocessors for more than a quarter of a century: The space industry needs specially rad-hardened designs, and the Agency took on a leading role in providing them, to prevent Europe being left dependent on imported parts. The NGMP is designed by Cobham Gaisler in Sweden and manufactured by ST Microelectronics in France, representing a predominantly European supply chain.
To find out more, read Roland’s interview here