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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Produced by Alenia Aerospazio, this video focusses on the Italian-made Mini Pressurised Logistics Module [MPLM].
The video starts with a sequence illustrating mankind's evolution from ape-like ancenstors to a species capable of dreaming of a space station. After a section illustrating both the exterior and interior of the International Space Station - currently under construction - we see the design and construction of the MPLM. Neutral buoyancy training on a submerged mock-up of the MPLM [featuring ESA astronaut Claude Nicollier] is included, followed by the 1998 delivery of the MPLM to NASA's Kennedy Space Centre by the 'Super Transporter' aircraft. The video ends with shots of the Module being lifted into a cleanroom at KSC.
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