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
Go to topicThe Structural and Thermal Model (STM) for the first spacecraft of the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) was tested in the Large Space Simulator of ESTEC's Test Centre during March/April 1998. This model carries dummy solar panels in order to simulate the satellite's thermal behaviour. MSG-1 is planned for launch in late 2000 to continue and expand the services provided by Europe's series of geostationary meteorological satellites since 1977. ESA is responsible for developing the new satellites on behalf of EUMETSAT. [Image Date: 01-04-98] [98.04.001-084]