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 topicThank you for liking
You have already liked this page, you can only like it once!
YES2 student engineers put the finishing touches on the satellite’s multi-layer insulation before integration with the satellite system. This wrapping acts as a passive thermal control system. In the extreme environment of space in earth's orbit, surface temperature for these thermal blankets can easily fluctuate between minus-150F and plus-250F, depending on direct, indirect and shadowed exposure to the Sun. The purpose of the thermal control materials on a spacecraft is to help keep the electronics and mechanical moving parts within the design limits of the temperature range that will allow them to function normally.