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 22 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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Video showing the deployment of the Mercury Planetary Orbiter’s 7.5 m-long solar wing in ESA’s test centre. The panels were held from above to simulate the weightlessness of space.
In this view, the ‘back’ of the wing is facing the viewer, showing the cabling that will be connected to the main body, while the reflective Sun-facing sides of the panels are not seen. One of the back panels is also reflective, to deflect stray light coming from the body.
The wing will be folded against the body inside the Ariane 5 launch vehicle and will only open once it is in space.