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 topicAll the propellant tanks for the spaceship propulsion are located in the ATV Service Module, between the main engines and the avionics bay: there are eight titanium propellant tanks and 2 high pressure helium tanks. The tanks hold up to seven tonnes of MMH and N2O4 propellants, part of which will be used for the station attitude and orbit control. The propellants are pressurized by helium stored in two high-pressure wound carbon-fibre tanks.