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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Photo of Plato’s service module that is being assembled at OHB’s facilities, in Germany.
This part of the spacecraft contains computers to operate the cameras’ electronics and other critical spacecraft components, including subsystems to control its orientation and orbital motion, propel it through space, distribute power, communicate with Earth, and handle data transfer.
[Image description: Photo of the service module structure, mounted on a white support in a white hall. The space equipment consists of a black boxy structure with golden-profiled edges, open sides and compartments, containing cables and electronic hardware.]