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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The windsurfer used by Raphaela Le Gouvello to cross the Pacific Ocean in about 80 days is a specially built board, designed by Guy Saillard from Ploemeur. Overall length is 7.80 metres with 6.80 in the water, midship width is 1.30 metres and the total weight reaches an approximately 550 kg. It is built of epoxy resin and carbon fibre with airex foam and internal partitions in honeycomb. 12-volt batteries are mounted within a watertight compartment inside the board together with VHF-radio, GPS-navigation system and the Iridium satellite telephone. Flexible solar cells are mounted on top of the board to reload the batteries.