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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Over the last four months, ESA’s European Space Operations Centre has been buzzing as over a hundred persons had but one word never off their lips: “Biomass”, whose launch is scheduled for 29 April aboard the Vega-C launcher.
Engineers and scientists. From ESA, partners and industry. From the satellite’s manufacturer and instrument teams. Specialists in satellite operations, ground segment, flight dynamics, software, and networks. All of them, gathered for the ritual exercise that preceeds every launch: the "simulation campaign".
Its goal? To mould this diverse group into a cohesive unit capable of handling the satellite's first moments in space.