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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Methane is one of the most important anthropogenic greenhouse gases. It can enter the air from the fossil fuel industry, landfill sites, livestock farming and rice agriculture, and as a result of thawing permafrost. The map shows variations in methane concentrations around the world; the red and orange colours indicate high concentrations and the blue colours indicate low concentrations. The map is based on measurements from the Envisat mission between 2003 and 2009. The Copernicus Sentinel-5P mission will take over the role of measuring this atmospheric gas along with a multitude of other trace gases.