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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10 November 2006. Tests conducted at Val de Reuil, France, to simulate the rendezvous of the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) with the International Space Station (ISS). Sensors mounted on an articulated industrial robotic arm (image) acted as the ATV, whilst a 120-tonne mobile platform represented the ISS. During simulations the platform was made to approach the robotic arm in a motion identical to the one expected when the real vehicles rendezvous in 2008.