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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Unpacking the ‘protoflight model’ of Sentinel-3’s Sea and Land Surface Temperature Radiometer (SLSTR) at Thales Alenia Space’s facilities in Cannes, France. Although still sporting protective covers, the large banana-shaped baffles are clearly visible. The mounting surfaces for the two parabolic mirrors can also be seen between the baffles. The component with the orange cover is the visible channel calibration unit, and the large silver casing in the centre is the back of one of the two calibration blackbodies. As part of a time-saving strategy, this instrument will be integrated into Sentinel-3A for testing and to ensure the integrity of the satellite. It will then be removed and calibrated to fly later on the Sentinel-3B satellite.