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 topicThrough the Venus Radio Science Experiment on board Venus Express - using the powerful radio link bewteen the spacecraft and Earth, as shown in this animation - scientists will investigate the conditions of the ionosphere of the planet (upper atmospheric layer), and study the local conditions of the solar wind. The experiment will also allow the study of the physical properties of mid atmospheric layers and the roughness and electrical properties of the surface.