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Press Releases — 2002

Published by the ESA Newsroom and Media Relations

email: media @ esa.int (Media inquiries only)

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Press Release N° 83–2002
Applications

Galileo: break in the negotiations

Despite the determined efforts of the European Space Agency’s Executive at a meeting of the ESA Council a little under a fortnight ago (on 11 and 12 December), it has not proved possible to get unanimous agreement on ESA’s participation in the Galileo project. Although thirteen of the Agency’s Member States were ready to accept a compromise solution in the common interest, two (Germany and Spain) were unable to do so. 
30/12/2002 421 views
Open
Press Release N° 82–2002
Enabling & Support

Space technologies to help Pescarolo Sport team in Dakar Rally

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Pescarolo Sport have concluded a technology partnership agreement under which space technologies and know-how will be used initially on the Dakar Rally in January, and then during the Le Mans 24-hour race. 
20/12/2002 602 views
Open
Press Release N° 81–2002
Applications

Innovative instrument on board MSG-1 delivers key information about the Earth’s climate

The GERB instrument onboard the MSG-1 (Meteosat Second Generation) satellite took its first measurements yesterday, Thursday 12 December. The results of such measurements are pictured in images that identify the likely areas where there is a net gain or loss of energy in the Earth’s climate system. 
13/12/2002 302 views
Open
Press Release N° 80–2002
Agency

Mr Jean-Jacques Dordain to be Director General of ESA

Today the Council of the European Space Agency announced the appointment of Mr Jean-Jacques Dordain as the next Director General of ESA, for a period of four years. He will succeed Mr Antonio Rodotà, whose term of office ends on 30 June next year.
11/12/2002 542 views
Open
Press Release N° 79–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA presents Integral's first images

Integral, the European Space Agency’s gamma-ray satellite, has taken its first images and collected its first scientific data. These ‘first-light’ images confirm that Integral is working superbly. Everyone involved with the project is delighted with its performance so far. 
11/12/2002 764 views
Open
Press Release N° 78–2002
Enabling & Support

"Space for new ideas – Big opportunities for small entrepreneurs"

Access to innovative solutions and increased competitiveness thanks to space technology - this is the theme of a workshop to be held at ESA/ESRIN in Frascati on 16 December (see attached programme), organised by the Technology Transfer Programme of the European Space Agency. 
10/12/2002 544 views
Open
Press Release N° 77–2002
Science & Exploration

JOINT STATEMENT - INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION HEADS OF AGENCY MEETING

Space agency leaders from the United States, Europe, Canada, Japan and Russia met in Tokyo, Japan, December 6, 2002, to review and further promote International Space Station (ISS) cooperation. The meeting participants reviewed in detail the significant progress that has been made in the development and deployment of the ISS elements and in the implementation of the ISS Program Action Plan adopted at the last Heads of Agency meeting in June 2002. This Plan provided the framework for the Partnership’s efforts over the last six months to select an option path to meet the utilization and resource requirements of the ISS. 
06/12/2002 320 views
Open
Press Release N° 76–2002
Agency

Space science for life on earth: future astronaut diagnostics for the ISS brings advances in technology for telemedicine

On Thursday 5 December 2002 an ESA-coordinated demonstration in medical telediagnostics was carried out on board the French hospital ship Sirocco. In a project initiated by ESA in association with the Department of Space Medical Physiology at the University of Tours, the Vision and Robotics Laboratory at Bourges, Sinters Toulouse, and CNES, this was the first real-time demonstration of the use of a teleoperated robotic arm for echographic diagnosis in a remote situation. 
06/12/2002 335 views
Open
Press Release N° 75–2002
Science & Exploration

Three European astronauts to fly to the International Space Station in 2003

Next year three more European astronauts are scheduled to fly to the International Space Station (ISS). Since the Station was first permanently manned in October 2000, five Europeans have already done so, in cooperation with both the US and Russian space agencies. 
05/12/2002 372 views
Open
Press Release N° 74–2002
Science & Exploration

From Darwin to Internet at the speed of light

Internet traffic jams may become history if ESA succeeds in developing new technology to see nearby Earth-sized planets. Why? In looking for new ways to detect planets ESA is thinking that, instead of bulky mirrors and lenses in space, one can build miniaturised optical systems that fit onto a microchip. Such ‘integrated optics’ would also allow earthly computer networks to use high-speed routing of data streams as a natural spin-off. 
26/11/2002 465 views
Open
Press Release N° 73–2002
Applications

ESA's Envisat monitors oil spill-off Spanish coast

Oil from the Prestige, the wrecked tanker off the northwest coast of Spain, had already reached the Spanish coast when ESA's Envisat satellite acquired radar images of the oil slick, stretching more than 150 km, on Sunday 17 November. 
22/11/2002 344 views
Open
Press Release N° 72–2002
Agency

ESA chairs 16th CEOS (Committee on Earth Observation Satellites) Plenary Meeting

– the concluding event of a busy and successful chairmanshipThe 16th CEOS Plenary Meeting takes place at ESA’s ESRIN establishment in Frascati, Italy, on 20 and 21 November. It will be chaired by the ESA Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Professor José Achache, and attended by about a hundred high-level representatives of international space agencies and their major partners, such as the World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme and the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme. 
19/11/2002 517 views
Open
Press Release N° 71–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA's Belgian astronaut returns from Odissea mission

ESA astronaut Frank De Winne came back to Earth today (Sunday, 10 November 2002) after a successful Soyuz mission to the International Space Station involving nine days of ground- breaking scientific research and the delivery of a brand new TMA-1 Soyuz spacecraft. 
10/11/2002 349 views
Open
Press Release N° 70–2002
Science & Exploration

European Space Agency appoints Ogilvy Brand Relations to help market European assets on International Space Station

The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Ogilvy Brand Relations in Brussels, Belgium, to help it develop a branding and communications strategy for the International Space Station (ISS). ESA’s objective is to raise commercial demand for use of the European assets on the International Space Station. 
07/11/2002 331 views
Open
Press Release N° 69–2002
Science & Exploration

XMM-Newton closes in on space's exotic matter

A fraction of a second after the Big Bang, all the primordial soup of matter in the Universe was 'broken' into its most fundamental constituents. It was thought to have disappeared forever. However scientists strongly suspect that the exotic soup of dissolved matter can still be found in today's Universe, in the core of certain very dense objects called neutron stars. 
06/11/2002 613 views
Open
Press Release N° 68–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA’s Belgian astronaut on way to Space Station in new Soyuz spacecraft

The fourth taxi flight to the International Space Station carrying a European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut and two Russian crew members made a perfect lift-off today (Wednesday, 30 October 2002) from the vast open plains of Baikonur, Kazakhstan, into the rising sun at 08:11 local time (04:11 Central European Time, 03:11 Universal Time). 
30/10/2002 275 views
Open
Press Release N° 67–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA’s Belgian astronaut ready for Space Station mission

A new Soyuz capsule will be launched into space next week on 30 October at 08:11 local time (04:11 CET) from the cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, carrying the European Space Agency’s first Belgian astronaut to visit the International Space Station and two Russian crew members. 
25/10/2002 373 views
Open
Press Release N° 66–2002
Science & Exploration

Europe opens a window onto a violent Universe

The European Space Agency has today launched a new observatory set to revolutionise the branch of astrophysics that seeks to unravel the secrets of the highest-energy – and therefore the most violent – phenomena in the Universe. This comes 20 years after the end of ESA's COS-B mission, which produced a complete map of the sky in the high-energy gamma-ray waveband. 
17/10/2002 448 views
Open
Press Release N° 65–2002
Science & Exploration

Soyuz rocket fails on launch from Plesetsk cosmodrome carrying ESA experiment payload

A Russian Soyuz launcher exploded some 20 seconds after lift-off from the Russian Plesetsk cosmodrome last night (15 October) at 20:20 CEST (Central European Summer Time). 
16/10/2002 383 views
Open
Press Release N° 64–2002
Space Safety

Lift Off for Aurora: Europe’s First Steps to Mars, the Moon and Beyond

Step by step, the European Space Agency’s new Aurora space exploration programme is beginning to take shape. This ambitious programme, started by ESA in January 2002, sets out a strategy over the next 30 years for Europe’s robotic and human exploration of Mars, the Moon, and even beyond to the asteroids. 
11/10/2002 418 views
Open
Press Release N° 63–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA's Integral satellite ready for lift-off from Baikonur

Follow the launch from one of the ESA establishmentsESA's INTEGRAL (International Gamma Ray Astrophysics Laboratory) satellite, will be launched by a Proton launcher from Baikonur, Kazakhstan on 17 October at 06:41 CEST (Central European Summer Time). 
04/10/2002 463 views
Open
Press Release N° 62–2002
Agency

Space and daily life: young people around the world have their say

The European Space Agency (ESA) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are jointly participating in World Space Week 2002 by organising a two-day event focussing on the International Space Station (ISS) at ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, on 6/7 October. 
02/10/2002 366 views
Open
Press Release N° 61–2002
Applications

MSG-1 weather satellite ready for commissioning

The first of EUMETSAT's new generation of weather satellites, MSG-1, has arrived on station at 10.5°W in geostationary orbit at 36,000 kilometres above the Earth. After separation from the Ariane-5 launcher on 29 August, ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt took the spacecraft under control on behalf of EUMETSAT for the Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP). Operation of the spacecraft has now been handed over to EUMETSAT. MSG has been developed through the close cooperation between the European Space Agency (ESA) and EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites. 
26/09/2002 369 views
Open
Press Release N° 60–2002
Agency

Avoiding the fate of the dinosaurs

Tales of asteroids or comets in a collision course with the Earth are always good to fill space in newspapers during the quiet summer months. Is there any truth in these tales of impending doom and if so, what is ESA doing about it?
25/09/2002 507 views
Open
Press Release N° 59–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA Press Event: See Mars Express before its departure to the Red Planet

Mars Express, to be launched in May-June 2003 on its six-month journey to Mars, is presently being put through a test campaign at INTESPACE, Toulouse, France. The spacecraft, which will be undertaking Europe's first mission to the Red Planet, is to be presented at a special press event being held in Toulouse on 18 September. 
05/09/2002 459 views
Open
Press Release N° 58–2002
Applications

Flawless launch of a super Meteosat

Almost 25 years after the November 1977 launch of the very first Meteosat, the first representative of the next generation (MSG-1) of European weather satellites has been placed in orbit and is being made ready to lend new dimensions to the monitoring of our planet's climate. 
29/08/2002 505 views
Open
Press Release N° 57–2002
Applications

The first of the second generation of Meteosat satellites ready for lift-off - Follow the launch from ESA and Arianespace estab

About 25 years after the first Meteosat weather satellite was lofted, the first of a new generation (MSG-1) is to be launched by an Ariane 5 launcher from Europe's Space Port in Kourou during the night of 27/28 August, at 19:30 hrs Kourou time (00:30 CEST). 
21/08/2002 408 views
Open
Press Release N° 56–2002
Science & Exploration

Ten astronauts train in Europe for the International Space Station. Meet them at the European Astronaut Centre, Cologne.

From 26 August to 6 September, ESA's European Astronaut Centre (EAC), in Cologne, Germany, is for the first time hosting an international group of astronauts for training in preparation for their missions to the International Space Station. 
19/08/2002 404 views
Open
Press Release N° 55–2002
Applications

ESA at the World Summit on Sustainable Development

The World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) is being held in Johannesburg between 26 August and 4 September. ESA will be present at this important gathering aimed at finding practical responses to the challenges of improving the lives of all human beings while protecting the environment.
06/08/2002 743 views
Open
Press Release N° 54–2002
Science & Exploration

End of the bedrest campaign

Long-duration spaceflight has a significant impact on the body, with astronauts experiencing changes in their bone and muscle in particular. To meet the requirements of long-stay missions aboard the International Space Station and prepare for future interplanetary missions, space agencies are working together to develop preventive-medicine methods or countermeasures intended to overcome the adverse effects of spaceflight.
30/07/2002 525 views
Open
Press Release N° 53–2002
Agency

ESA and Eurocontrol sign cooperation agreement on using space technology for civil aviation

A five-year renewable Agreement for Cooperation was signed today in Brussels by the Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), Antonio Rodotà, and the Director General of Eurocontrol, Victor M. Aguado.
26/07/2002 279 views
Open
Press Release N° 52–2002
Science & Exploration

A little bit of Ferrari takes off to the Red Planet !

What is the fastest Ferrari's distinctive red paint has ever travelled? Next year it will be 10800 km/h! Mars Express, to be launched in May/June 2003, the first European spacecraft to visit the Red Planet, will be speeding on its way accompanied by the very essence of Ferrari: a sample of its distinctive red paint. 
21/07/2002 706 views
Open
Press Release N° 51–2002
Applications

ESA and the European Commission launch a consultation forum on satellite-based Global Monitoring for Environment and Security

Satellites can help the EU monitor climate change, address international crises and contain natural disasters. Today in Brussels EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin and Mr An-tonio Rodotà, the Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), officially opened a large stakeholder consultation forum aiming at the definition of European needs to enhance global monitoring for environment and security (GMES). 250 participants, representing users, suppliers and researchers, addressed policy options to upgrade Europe's capability for global monitoring by 2008. 
15/07/2002 505 views
Open
Press Release N° 50–2002
Applications

Artemis, one year after launch

A mission brought back from the edge, a world premiere in space, European engineers meeting the challenge of a launch malfunction: such are the results of Artemis's first, adventurous year in space. 
12/07/2002 523 views
Open
Press Release N° 49–2002
Agency

A glimpse of space at Farnborough International Air Show

The bi-annual Farnborough International Air Show takes place at Farnborough aerodrome, south west of London, under the aegis of the Society of British Aerospace Companies. Trade days are Monday 22 to Friday 26 July, 09:30-18:00 with a public weekend on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July, 09:30-17:30. More information on this world-renowned exhibition can be found on the Internet at http://www.farnborough.com. 
08/07/2002 367 views
Open
Press Release N° 48–2002
Enabling & Support

Space technology for McLaren at the British Grand Prix

At the British Grand Prix next weekend, the McLaren team will have a special boost from space technology: their mechanics' suits will feature a cooling system, specially developed from the astronaut's suits by the Technology Transfer Programme of the European Space Agency. 
05/07/2002 559 views
Open
Press Release N° 47–2002
Science & Exploration

Young stars in old galaxies - surprising discovery with the world's leading telescopes

Combining data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the ESO Very Large Telescope (VLT), a group of European and American astronomers have made a major discovery. They have identified a huge number of 'young' stellar clusters, in an old elliptical galaxy. For the first time, it has been possible to identify several distinct periods of star formation in a galaxy as old as this one. Elliptical galaxies have always been considered to have undergone one early star-forming period and thereafter to be devoid of star formation. However, the combination of the best and largest telescopes in space and on the ground has now clearly shown that there is more than meets the eye. 
26/06/2002 957 views
Open
Press Release N° 46–2002
Applications

Weather forecasting and climate change monitoring : Meteosat seminar for journalists in Cannes

About 25 years after the first Meteosat weather satellite, the first of the second generation (MSG-1) is to be launched in August. With sophisticated new instruments on board, MSG-1 will change the way we observe the weather. 
21/06/2002 588 views
Open
Press Release N° 45–2002
Applications

ESA supports Reuters humanitarian trust

A collaboration arrangement was today signed between Reuters Foundation Director, Maureen Marlowe, and ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes, José Achache, at Reuters Corporate headquarters in London. 
20/06/2002 372 views
Open
Press Release N° 44–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA astronaut Claudie Haigneré appointed minister

Claudie Haigneré, the ESA astronaut, has been appointed to the post of Minister for Research and New Technologies in the French government announced yesterday. 
18/06/2002 362 views
Open
Press Release N° 43–2002
Agency

Swedish chair for ESA Council

Per Tegnér, currently Director General of the Swedish National Space Board, is the new Chairman of the ESA Council for the next two years (as from 1 July 2002). 
13/06/2002 529 views
Open
Press Release N° 42–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA Science Media Day: Rosetta and Integral getting ready for launch

Two contrasting space missions are in the final stages of preparation at ESA's Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. They are the Rosetta mission to rendezvous with Comet Wirtanen and study the origins of our solar system and the Integral spacecraft to study the most violent phenomena in the Universe. Both spacecraft are nearing their launch dates. 
07/06/2002 527 views
Open
Press Release N° 41–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA's Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) is launched to the ISS

This morning, ESA's Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral inside the logistics module, MPLM-Leonardo aboard a US Space Shuttle - STS-111 UF2 - mission to the International Space Station (ISS). 
06/06/2002 502 views
Open
Press Release N° 40–2002
Science & Exploration

Joint Statement at the International Space Station Heads of Agency meeting - Monday 3 June 2002 - Paris (France)

The leaders of the space agencies taking part in the International Space Station (ISS) programme, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) and the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (Rosaviakosmos), met today at ESA's Headquarters to discuss the status of the ISS programme. 
03/06/2002 363 views
Open
Press Release N° 39–2002
Science & Exploration

Gravity Matters to Health

The ESA-sponsored Life Sciences Symposium, which opens on 2 June at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, will present the benefits of ongoing space research to Earth-bound medical researchers. The Symposium is a triennial event and this is to be devoted to the results of ESA's Microgravity Applications Programme. 
29/05/2002 566 views
Open
Press Release N° 38–2002
Applications

ESA selects new Earth-Observation missions

For its second cycle of the Earth Explorer Opportunity Missions, ESA has recently selected three proposals to enter feasibility study: ACE+ , an Atmosphere and Climate-Explorer; EGPM, the European contribution to Global Precipitation Mission, and SWARM, a constellation of small satellites to study the dynamics of the Earth's magnetic field and its interactions with the Earth system. 
28/05/2002 384 views
Open
Press Release N° 37–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA astronaut training in Europe for October mission to the International Space Station. Mission name and logo unveiled.

ESA astronaut Frank De Winne, from Belgium, will soon finish training at ESA's space research and technology centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands on some of the scientific facilities he will have to work on during his flight to the International Space Station next October. On Thursday 6 June, media representatives are invited to learn more about some of the training phases and to carry out interviews. 
28/05/2002 468 views
Open
Press Release N° 36–2002
Science & Exploration

"Cosmic Vision": the new ESA Science Programme

Following the outcome of Council of Ministers in Edinburgh in November 2001, the Director of Science undertook a complete reassessment of the ESA Science Programme. This was done in close collaboration with the science community, represented by the Space Science Advisory Committee, industry and Member States delegations. The results of this exercise were presented as a proposal to the 99th meeting of the Science Programme Committee of the European Space Agency held in Andenes (Norway) on 22/23 May. Whilst noting the withdrawal by the Executive, during the meeting itself, of the Venus Express mission, the Science Programme Committee strongly endorsed the plan proposed by the Executive and encouraged it to proceed vigorously with its implementation. 
27/05/2002 542 views
Open
Press Release N° 35–2002
Applications

GALILEO at GNSS 2002

The European Space Agency will be joining forces with the European Commission in a major contribution to GNSS 2002, the sixth in a series of international conferences devoted to global satellite navigation systems, to be held in Copenhagen from 27 to 30 May 2002. 
24/05/2002 586 views
Open
Press Release N° 34–2002
Applications

New ESA initiative to fund SME satcom innovations

The European Space Agency (ESA) today launched a second and expanded round of funding for innovative R&D initiatives in satellite communications (satcom) from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ESA's first round of funding last year is already supporting projects in fields including transportation management, tracking systems, integration of satellite IP networks and interactive satellite advertising. Claudio Mastracci, ESA's director of applications, commented: " When we introduced the scheme last year, we were impressed by the variety of ideas put forward. Building on our experience with the first initiative, we have fine-tuned the scheme to increase flexibility and the support we provide throughout the application process. We look forward to seeing many more interesting proposals with the potential to enhance the competitiveness of the European and Canadian satcom industries." 
21/05/2002 410 views
Open
Press Release N° 33–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA to unveil its new science programme

Last November the ESA Director of Science, Professor David Southwood, announced the need for a complete reassessment of the ESA science programme. Following the Council meeting at ministerial level, funds for ESA's space science would be substantially less than had been hoped. Realistic planning would have to replace optimistic planning. 
16/05/2002 428 views
Open
Press Release N° 32–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA astronaut returns to Earth after Space Station 'taxi' flight

A mission to the International Space Station returned to Earth today after successfully delivering a new 'lifeboat' to the Station for use by the resident crew in the event of an emergency on board. 
05/05/2002 338 views
Open
Press Release N° 31–2002
Enabling & Support

ESA and CNES sign contract on CSG

Today, at the Guiana Space Centre, Kourou French Guiana, Mr Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director of Launchers, and Mr Gérard Brachet, CNES Director General, signed a contract on funding to cover the fixed costs of "CNES/CSG facilities". The total amount of these fixed costs over the five years from 2002 to 2006 is put at EUR 617.4 million. 
02/05/2002 465 views
Open
Press Release N° 30–2002
Science & Exploration

Successful lift-off for Italian on first mission into space

The latest European astronaut was launched to the International Space Station today when the Marco Polo flight and its three-strong crew thundered into the midday skies in a perfect lift-off from the wide open plains of Baikonur, Kazakhstan at 12:26 local time (06:26 GMT). 
25/04/2002 293 views
Open
Press Release N° 29–2002
Agency

Take a "Space Walk" at ILA in Berlin

The ILA 2002 international aerospace exhibition takes place between Monday 6 and Sunday 12 May at Berlin Schoenefeld Airport. As in the past ESA, DLR (the German Space Agency) and the German space industry, under the umbrella of BDLI (German Aerospace Industries Association), will be present for trade visitors and the general public with an impressive exhibition in Hall 2. 
18/04/2002 548 views
Open
Press Release N° 28–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA astronaut Frank De Winne to fly to the International Space Station in October

Today, at the European Space Agency Moscow office, Mr Antonio Rodotà, ESA Director General, Mr Charles Picqué, Belgian Minister for Scientific Research, Mr Yvan Ylieff, Belgian Commissioner in charge of Scientific Policy, Mr Yuri Koptev of the Russian Aviation and Space Agency (Rosaviakosmos), and Mr Yuri Semonov of the Korolev Rocket Space Corporation Energia (RSC Energia), signed the contract for implementation of a flight to the International Space Station for ESA astronaut, Frank De Winne, of Belgian nationality. 
18/04/2002 294 views
Open
Press Release N° 27–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA astronaut on Russian flight to Space Station

A cosmopolitan crew representing the nations of Italy, Russia and South Africa will make history when they are launched into space next week from the Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan. 
16/04/2002 342 views
Open
Press Release N° 26–2002
Science & Exploration

Long-term bed rest study: second period 22 March - 27 July 2002

Three months' bed rest to simulate the effects of long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station 
11/04/2002 496 views
Open
Press Release N° 25–2002
Enabling & Support

France and ESA sign CSG spaceport agreement

Today, at European Space Agency headquarters in Paris, Mr Roger-Gérard Schwartzenberg, the French Minister for Research, and Mr Antonio Rodotà, ESA Director General, signed an agreement on the Guiana Space Centre (CSG), Europe's spaceport in French Guiana. 
11/04/2002 336 views
Open
Press Release N° 24–2002
Science & Exploration

Jules Verne - an extraordinary space traveller

Over thirty international media representatives witnessed yesterday the christening of the first Automated Transfer Vehicle at ESA/ESTEC. Due for launch in late 2004, the first spaceship has been named "Jules Verne" in honour of the 19th century French author who fascinated the minds of millions of young people and inspired space scientists and explorers with his tales of extraordinary voyages: From the Earth to the Moon, 20.000 Leagues under the Sea, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, to name just a few. 
10/04/2002 341 views
Open
Press Release N° 23–2002
Agency

An international market place for space technology - Technology Transfer at Hanover Fair 2002

Fire extinguishers, skin cancer detectors and a record-breaking solar car: all examples of new products on Earth made possible thanks to space technology. ESA will present these, and many more space spin-offs, to non-space industry from all over the world at the Hanover Fair, the premier showplace for leading-edge technology (15/20 April, Hall 18, Stand A15, hosted by ESA's technology broker MST Aerospace). 
08/04/2002 349 views
Open
Press Release N° 22–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA's X-ray space telescope proves supernovae can cause mysterious gamma-ray bursts

Gamma-ray bursts are the most powerful explosions ever detected in the Universe. They are also one of the greatest mysteries of modern astronomy, since so far there has been no conclusive to prove what causes them. Until now, there have been two 'prime suspects' for what makes gamma-ray bursts: the collision of neutron stars - dead, ultra-dense stars - or the death of very massive stars in supernova explosions. The new results from the XMM-Newton X-ray space telescope rule out the first hypothesis and confirm the second, at least for the gamma-ray burst that occurred on 11 December 2001. 
04/04/2002 770 views
Open
Press Release N° 21–2002
Applications

The first ENVISAT check-up on the Earth

A major new health check on the Earth got under way onv 1 March 2002, when the European Space Agency's Envisat satellite was launched by an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe's spaceport in French Guiana. It is the largest and most sophisticated Earth observation satellite ever built. 
28/03/2002 289 views
Open
Press Release N° 20–2002
Science & Exploration

INTEGRAL Science Data Centre to be presented to the press

While ESA's INTEGRAL spacecraft prepares for launch in October 2002, the INTEGRAL Science Data Centre at Versoix (Switzerland) is getting ready for operations. On 11 April 2002, the doors of the centre - which will prepare and distribute the INTEGRAL data to the worldwide astronomical community - will be open to the European scientific community and to the press. 
27/03/2002 570 views
Open
Press Release N° 19–2002
Applications

Galileo gets the go-ahead

The European Space Agency warmly welcomes the decision taken today by the European Union Transport Ministers, meeting in Brussels. 
26/03/2002 472 views
Open
Press Release N° 18–2002
Agency

Physics on Stage 2 festival - 2 to 6 April 2002

Physics on Stage 2 is a festival for physics teachers, taking place at the European Space Agency's Space Research and Technical Centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands from 2 to 6 April. 
25/03/2002 524 views
Open
Press Release N° 17–2002
Agency

Renewal of the Director of Launchers mandate

22/03/2002 313 views
Open
Press Release N° 16–2002
Science & Exploration

Automated Transfer Vehicle under the spotlight at ESA/ESTEC

On Tuesday 9 April the European Space Agency is staging the first presentation of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), Europe's new multifunctional spacecraft to supply the International Space Station. This will be a unique opportunity to see the ATV in fully stacked configuration before its launch, currently scheduled for the autumn of 2004. The presentation to the media will be at ESA's Research and Technology Centre, ESTEC, in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. 
22/03/2002 401 views
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Press Release N° 15–2002
Applications

ESA welcomes outcome for Galileo of Barcelona European Council meeting

"Space can do a lot for European citizens. Our global satellite navigation system, Galileo, is now only a step away from taking wing", said Antonio Rodotà, Director General of the European Space Agency, welcoming the conclusions of the European Council meeting held on 15 and 16 March in Barcelona, and echoing the appreciation expressed by the ESA Council, the governing body of the Agency, gathered in Paris for its 156th meeting today and tomorrow. 
20/03/2002 406 views
Open
Press Release N° 14–2002
Applications

ESA and the Commission kick off action plan for Global Monitoring for Environment and Security

Antonio Rodotà, ESA's Director General and Philippe Busquin, Research Commissioner and responsible for space policy, today opened the first meeting of the GMES Steering Committee in Brussels. This meeting brings together, for the first time, the users and suppliers of GMES services and technologies. The Steering Committee will assist in implementation of the joint ESA/EU action plan on Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES). The goal set by ESA and the European Union is to develop and bring into operational service by 2008 an autonomous European global monitoring capability for environmental and security purposes.
19/03/2002 399 views
Open
Press Release N° 13–2002
Applications

"The first check-up of the Earth" - Media event at ESA/ESRIN, Frascati (Italy)

On Thursday 28 March, the first image produced by Envisat will be released to the media and the general public.
14/03/2002 368 views
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Press Release N° 12–2002
Enabling & Support

Sci-Tech - Couldn't be without it!

On 22 March, at the Technopolis Museum in Brussels, seven of Europe’s leading research organisations launch a joint outreach programme for the run-up to European Science Week in November this year. Their aim is to show Europeans how today's society couldn't be without fundamental research.
14/03/2002 379 views
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Press Release N° 11–2002
Science & Exploration

ESA and ASI launch the first sponsorship initiative for European research on board the International Space Station (ISS)

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) have initiated the first sponsorship programme enabling businesses to participate in the world's largest international science and technology venture in space. The programme will offer Italian and European companies the opportunity to join the agencies in sponsoring scientific and technological research by astronauts on board the ISS. 
08/03/2002 357 views
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Press Release N° 10–2002
Applications

Europe’s environmental eye soars into orbit

The eagerly awaited launch of ESA’s Envisat environmental monitoring satellite took place in Kourou, French Guiana, today at 22:07:59 hrs Kourou time (02:07:59 hrs CET). Envisat’s spectacular night-time launch also marked the return to business for Europe’s Ariane 5 launcher.
01/03/2002 333 views
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Press Release N° 9–2002
Science & Exploration

First Swedish astronaut to fly to International Space Station in 2003

European Space Agency astronaut Christer Fuglesang will fly on a Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station in spring 2003. During that flight, he will conduct three Extra Vehicular Activities (EVAs) or "spacewalks" to attach new hardware to the Space Station. He will become the first Swede to travel and walk in space. 
26/02/2002 330 views
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Press Release N° 8–2002
Science & Exploration

Top class images help ESA's Rosetta prepare to ride on a cosmic bullet

Chase a fast-moving comet, land on it and 'ride' it while it speeds up towards the Sun: not the script of a science-fiction movie, but the very real task of ESA's Rosetta spacecraft. New observations with the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT) provide vital information about Comet Wirtanen - Rosetta's target - to help ESA reduce uncertainties in the mission, one of the most difficult ever to be performed. 
26/02/2002 428 views
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Press Release N° 7–2002
Applications

ESA's Envisat satellite ready for lift-off

Follow the launch from any of five ESA and Arianespace establishmentsDuring the night of 28 February/1 March Envisat, ESA's most powerful and sophisticated Earth observation satellite, will be launched by an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe's spaceport in Kourou at 22:07 hrs Kourou time (02:07 hrs CET). 
22/02/2002 453 views
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Press Release N° 6–2002
Science & Exploration

First Italian astronaut to be flown to the International Space Station on board a Russian spacecraft

ESA astronaut Roberto Vittori (*) will become the first Italian to lift off from Baikonur on board a Russian Soyuz vehicle on 25 April 2002, when he starts a ten-day mission - codenamed 'Marco Polo' - to the International Space Station. 
21/02/2002 400 views
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Press Release N° 5–2002
Applications

Artemis starts its journey to final orbit

Thanks to ion propulsion, the Artemis mission is turning near-defeat into a success story. Nominal operations could start this summer, with ESA's satellite, manufactured by Alenia Spazio as prime contractor (I), playing a significant role in the pursuit of high technology and advanced telecommunications. 
20/02/2002 358 views
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Press Release N° 4–2002
Science & Exploration

Hubble gets revitalised in new Servicing Mission for more and better science!

After nearly 12 years of incredible scientific discoveries, the ESA/NASA Hubble Space Telescope orbiting Earth is about to have another service visit. The purpose is to upgrade Hubble system and to install newer and more powerful instruments that will astoundingly increase Hubble's discovery capabilities and extend the longevity of the observatory.
15/02/2002 435 views
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Press Release N° 3–2002
Agency

ESA Director Genaral receives high recognition from NASA

At a ceremony held yesterday at ESA headquarters in Paris, NASA European Representative Karen Feldstein, on behalf of former NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin, presented ESA Director General Antonio Rodotà with the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal. 
24/01/2002 348 views
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Press Release N° 2–2002
Agency

ESA Director General to meet the press in Paris

On Wednesday 16 January, ESA Director General Antonio Rodotà will be meeting the media at ESA Headquarters in Paris. The gathering will start at 08:30 with breakfast, followed at 09:00 by a press conference to take stock of the Agency's achievements in 2001 and to announce the activities planned for 2002. 
04/01/2002 299 views
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Press Release N° 1–2002
Agency

European space events for 2002

During 2002 ESA will be involved in a series of international events worth the attention and the attendance of the media. These are the major ones that can already be pencilled in your diary. 
03/01/2002 509 views
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