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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Finite Element Method models of Vega components, allowed the team to map a 3D grid of elements to initial computer aided design (CAD) Vega components, adding virtual flesh to CAD bones. Engineers could then apply mathematical models of loads forces and structural behaviour to this ‘Coupled Loads Analysis’ CLA tool, creating a virtual representation of the launcher to demonstrate how it will bend, shake or deform across a range of stress conditions.