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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Time-lapse footage of a partial deployment test of a new, European-made articulated boom for satellites. This 6.1-m long boom would unfold in orbit to support large deployable antenna reflectors, radiometers or other instruments extended from the main body of a satellite. HPS GmbH in Germany led its development for ESA, supported through the Agency’s Technology Research Programme. This partial deployment test took place in preparation of a functional thermal vacuum test inside the DLR German Aerospace Center’s facility in Bremen. Motors in its hinges serve to deploy the boom, taking about 15 minutes in real time.