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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This high-tech racer Nuna II uses lightweight materials such as carbon fibres, synthetic resin and foam plastics, making up around one third of the total car. The aerodynamics and the technology used to join plastics were first used for space vehicles re-entering the Earth's atmosphere.
The picture shows driver Sten Swanenberg speeding at 120 km/h over the Stuart Highway in Australia.
Nuna II took the lead on the first day of the World Solar Challenge 2003 beating the previous record of 32 hours 39 minutes set by its precursor Nuna in 2001.