| European Space Agency (ESA)
EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY NEWS | | | | Info | The ESA portal features the latest news in space exploration, human spaceflight, launchers, telecommunications, navigation, monitoring and space science. | | Lastupdate | 2008-04-17 11:58:57 (308) | |
Current news from European Space Agency (ESA)
Media opportunity: ESA presents European participants in 520-day simulated mission to Mars
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/11887A4_S.jpg" align="right" /> ESA PR 2010-05 A crew of six, including two Europeans, will soon begin a simulated mission to Mars in a mockup that includes an interplanetary spaceship, a Mars lander and a martian landscape. The Mars500 experiment, as long as a real journey to Mars, will be second to none as the ultimate test of human endurance.
Signature secures future Sentinels for GMES
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/GMES_Event_Rome_12-mar-2010_small,0.jpg" align="right" /> Marking another significant step in the GMES initiative, ESA and Thales Alenia Space recently signed a contract worth €270 million to build the second Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-3 satellites.
Shocking recipe for making killer electrons
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/ss_S,877.jpg" align="right" /> Take a bunch of fast-moving electrons, place them in orbit and then hit them with the shock waves from a solar storm. What do you get? Killer electrons. That’s the shocking recipe revealed by ESA’s Cluster mission.
Joint Statement: International Space Station Heads of Agency
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/IMG_0045_S.jpg" align="right" /> ESA PR 2010-04 The heads of the International Space Station (ISS) agencies from Canada, Europe, Japan, Russia and the United States met in Tokyo, Japan, on 11 March 2010, to review ISS cooperation.
A lesson from space: capillarity in action
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/frankdemo1_small,0.jpg" align="right" /> In space, many things work differently, but not always. Take the movement of liquid in fine tubes. Gravity has something to do with this capillary action, but what? Students using ESA’s 'Take Your Classroom into Space' kit can now find out.
How ESA got its tweet back
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/DSC_3065,3.JPG" align="right" /> On Friday, Esa Alanen and family visited the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, as guests of ESA, to say thanks for relinquishing the Twitter name www.twitter.com/esa.
New Eduspace website offers schools a clearer window on the world
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/new_eduspace_s.jpg" align="right" /> For the past 12 years, ESA’s Eduspace website has been a window on the world for secondary students and teachers. Now the website has been completely redesigned and updated, so that it provides an even more valuable introduction to Earth observation and its applications.
Earth from Space: Icebreaker event
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Animation-C28-9B-Icebergs-Final_f1_S.gif" align="right" /> This animation, made up of eight Envisat radar images, shows the 97-km long B-9B iceberg (right) ramming into the Mertz Glacier Tongue in Eastern Antarctica in early February. The collision caused a chunk of the glacier’s tongue to snap off, giving birth to another iceberg nearly as large as B-9B.
New investment fund backs space technologies finding uses on Earth
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/_SCO8329_small,0.jpg" align="right" /> For years, ESA has been bringing space technologies down to Earth through its Technology Transfer Programme and Business Incubation initiatives. Now, the Agency will strengthen these initiatives by supporting new businesses using space innovations through a dedicated venture capital fund.
ESA - Euronews Space Magazine ISS: en route to the future
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/ss_S,863.jpg" align="right" /> The biggest engineering project ever built by humankind is flying 400
kilometres overhead. The International Space Station has been 12 years in the
making, and it's almost complete. And its unique collection of laboratories
up there is already giving scientists a new insight into daily life down
here. Strap yourselves in for a trip to the ISS, in this edition of Space.
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<div style="float:right"><a href="http://www.esa.int/SSEMLMN9KF6G.html" target="_blank" style="color:#ff0000;">Watch Online</a></div>
Phobos flyby success
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Image24_417-20081008-5889-6-src-03-PhobosSeries_S.jpg" align="right" /> Mars Express encountered Phobos last night, smoothly skimming past at just 67 km, the closest any manmade object has ever approached Mars’ enigmatic moon. The data collected could help unlock the origin of not just Phobos but other ‘second generation’ moons.
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Mars Express heading for closest flyby of Phobos
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Image3_Phobos_animation_MaRS_experiment_S.jpg" align="right" /> ESA’s Mars Express will skim the surface of Mars’ largest moon Phobos on Wednesday evening. Passing by at an altitude of 67 km, precise radio tracking will allow researchers to peer inside the mysterious moon.
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ESA highlights the potential of satellite data for the European Investment Bank
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/kolombangara_island_S.jpg" align="right" /> The European Investment Bank has an annual lending portfolio of around 75 billion euros, operating globally in more than 130 countries. The Bank has been increasingly mainstreaming environmental considerations into its lending portfolio, boosting the need to monitor the impact of the projects it funds. As its environmental commitments have increased, so too has the demand for geospatial information.
High-performance ESA receiver brings satnav indoors
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Galileo_constellation_120x120,2.jpg" align="right" /> Satellite navigation is having an enormous impact on our daily lives. In practical terms it means the only place left to get lost is indoors, where satnav signals fail to reach. But one ESA project is changing that.
First images from ESA’s water mission
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Scandinavia_cl2_S.jpg" align="right" /> In less than four months since launch, the first calibrated images are being delivered by ESA’s SMOS mission. These images of 'brightness temperature' translate into clear information on global variations of soil moisture and ocean salinity to advance our understanding of the water cycle.
Endeavour home after completing a special delivery to ISS
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/180842main_landing120.jpg" align="right" /> Space Shuttle <i>Endeavour</i> landed early this morning at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida after a flight delivering more living space, equipment and a bay window to the International Space Station.
ESA chooses three scientific missions for further study
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/exploring_space_s,0.jpg" align="right" /> Dark energy, habitable planets around other stars, and the mysterious nature of our own Sun, have been chosen by ESA as candidates for two medium-class missions to be launched no earlier than 2017.
CryoSat launch delayed
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/ss_S,826.jpg" align="right" /> The launch of ESA's CryoSat-2 satellite from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, scheduled for 25 February, has been delayed due to a concern related to the second stage steering engine of the Dnepr launcher.
Phobos flyby season starts again
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Image2_422-20081013-0000-6-mov-01-PhobosSeries_S.jpg" align="right" /> Today Mars Express began a series of flybys of Phobos, the largest moon of Mars. The campaign will reach its crescendo on 3 March, when the spacecraft will set a new record for the closest pass to Phobos, skimming the surface at just 50 km. The data collected could help untangle the origin of this mysterious moon.
Opening esa-p for suppliers delayed
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/finref_clock2_S.jpg" align="right" /> The preparation activities for the opening of esa-p are drawing to a conclusion. The technical teams and the ESA programme directorates are currently validating the loading of data in the new system.
Space Station gains a new room: Node-3 installed
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/L5.jpg" align="right" /> Almost exactly two years after the Columbus laboratory was added to the Space Station, the hi-tech Node-3, also ‘made in Europe’, was installed on the ISS this morning.
Last look at CryoSat-2
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/IMG_9299_small,0.jpg" align="right" /> As preparations for the launch of ESA's ice mission on 25 February continue on schedule, an important milestone has just been reached with the team at the Baikonur Cosmodrome saying farewell to CryoSat-2 as it was encapsulated in the rocket's 'space head module'.
Node-3 and Cupola: European technology to complete the ISS
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/_SCO0641_S.jpg" align="right" /> ESA PR 02-2010 Space Shuttle <i>Endeavour</i> was launched at 10:14:08 CET today and is heading for the International Space Station carrying two sophisticated European modules: Node-3 (Tranquility) and Cupola. Their installation will mark the completion of the non-Russian part of the ISS, with more than a third of the pressurised Station elements designed and built in Europe.
First journey for Alphabus
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/SM_container_preparation_6_120x120_72.jpg" align="right" /> The service module of the new Alphabus generation of telecommunication satellites has completed its first journey – from Cannes to Toulouse, in France. The three-day trip was completed last Friday.
Craters young and old in Sirenum Fossae
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/452-20091109-6547-6-co-01-SirenumFossae_S.jpg" align="right" /> The Mars Express High Resolution Stereo Camera has imaged craters both young and old in this view of the Southern Highlands of Mars.
World Wetlands Day focuses on climate change
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/screen20-france-drugeon_S.jpg" align="right" /> World Wetlands Day 2010: 'Wetlands, Biodiversity and Climate Change' stresses the fact that caring for wetlands is a part of the solution to climate change with the slogan: 'Caring for wetlands – an answer to climate change.'
Live long and prosper, Xanthoria elegans
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Image1,30.jpg" align="right" /> Space is a hostile environment for living things, but small organisms on the Expose-E experiment unit outside Europe’s Columbus ISS laboratory module have resisted the solar UV radiation, cosmic rays, vacuum and varying temperatures for 18 months. A certain lichen seems to be particularly happy in open space!
Glacier-melting debate highlights importance of satellites
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/ss_S,836.jpg" align="right" /> The intense public debate on how rapidly the Himalayan glaciers are retreating highlights the necessity for the constant monitoring of glaciers worldwide by satellites.
Auspicious orbit marks run-up to Phobos flyby
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/h3909_0000_S.jpg" align="right" /> On 26 January, Mars Express completed its 7777th orbit around the Red Planet, an auspicious milestone as the satellite is readied for the closest-ever flyby of Phobos, scheduled for just a few weeks from now.
Major Galileo contracts signed
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/_DSC7378_small,1.JPG" align="right" /> Yesterday, Mr René Oosterlinck, ESA’s Director of the Galileo Programme and Navigation-related Activities, signed the first three contracts for the Galileo full operational capability phase. This event marks the start of building the Galileo operational infrastructure.
First International Security Symposium
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Picture1,1.png" align="right" /> On 9 and 10 February, ESA will hold its First International Security Symposium, to share information on security approaches, challenges and evolution that international organisations face in the current geopolitical situation.
Technology-testing Proba-2 opens new eye on the Sun
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/ss_S,830.jpg" align="right" /> Packed with novel devices and science instruments, Proba-2 is demonstrating technologies for future ESA missions while providing new views of our Sun.
Slovenia becomes sixth ESA European Cooperating State
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/_DSC6960_small,0.JPG" align="right" /> Slovenia becomes the sixth European country to sign the European Cooperating State Agreement with ESA.
Feeding our future – nutrition on Earth and in space
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/ss_S,769.jpg" align="right" /> There are of course many technical challenges when planning missions to the Moon and beyond, but there is another important question: what should the astronauts have for dinner?
Congo receives help from space after volcano eruption
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/BS_15-01-2010_02_S.jpg" align="right" /> On 2 January, Mount Nyamulagira in the Democratic Republic of Congo erupted, spewing lava from its southern flank and raising concerns that the 100 000 people in the town of Sake could be under threat.
Spacecraft dockings improve car assembly
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/DB2007AU01911_S.jpg" align="right" /> The next car comes down the conveyor belt ready for the dashboard to be added. Speed and position are controlled as if it were a spacecraft docking automatically with the International Space Station. Invented by entrepreneurs at ESA’s Business Incubation Centre, a new system using similar docking technology precisely fits the dashboard into the car.
Proba-2’s first achievements to be unveiled
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Proba2-2-HR_small,0.jpg" align="right" /> Proba-2 is among the smallest spacecraft ever launched by <nobr>ESA – less</nobr> than a cubic <nobr>metre – but</nobr> it prepares technologies for future ESA missions, as well as giving scientists a new view of the Sun.
Herschel readies itself for the Orion Nebula
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/ss_S,510.jpg" align="right" /> ESA’s Herschel observatory is back to full operation following the reactivation of its HIFI instrument. HIFI, having been offline for 160 days while engineers investigated an unexpected problem in the electronic system, is now perfectly placed to resume its study of forming stars and planets.
New satellite maps of Haiti coming in
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Damage_Port-au-Prince_S.jpg" align="right" /> As rescue workers scramble to provide assistance to hundreds of thousands of people following Haiti’s earthquake, Earth observation satellite data continues to provide updated views of the situation on the ground.
First satellite map of Haiti earthquake
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Haiti_PortAuPrince_S.jpg" align="right" /> A major 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on 12 January, causing major casualties and damage. The quake was followed by several aftershocks with magnitudes over 5.0.
Celebrating the fifth anniversary of Huygens’ Titan touchdown
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Lebreton_Huy_descent_seq_S.jpg" align="right" /> Five years ago today, ESA’s Huygens probe descended to the surface of Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. Today planetary scientists from around the world have gathered in Barcelona to discuss the legacy of Huygens and to consider future Titan exploration missions.
ESA's ice mission arrives safely at launch site
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/cryosat_arrival74_small,0.jpg" align="right" /> In what might seem rather appropriate weather conditions, the CryoSat-2 Earth Explorer satellite has completed its journey to the Baikonur launch site in Kazakhstan, where it will be prepared for launch on 25 February.
Fifth anniversary of the landing on Titan
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/05,4.jpg" /><br /> Five years ago today ESA’s Huygens probe
reached the upper layer of Titan’s atmosphere and landed on the
surface after a parachute descent of 2 hours and 28 minutes. As part of the joint NASA/ESA/ASI mission to Saturn and its moons, the
Huygens probe was sent from the Cassini spacecraft to explore Titan,
Saturn’s largest moon.
European Commission announces the award of major Galileo contracts
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/galileoOK_S.jpg" align="right" /> Antonio Tajani, European Commission Vice-President in charge of Transport, has announced today the award of three of the six contracts for the procurement of Galileo's initial operational capability.
Space technology helps mitigate climate change
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/ss_S,792.jpg" align="right" /> Space technologies have led to a number of inventions that benefit the environment and save energy. Satellite-based systems are reducing vehicles’ carbon dioxide emissions, remote-sensing technology is making wind turbines more efficient, and information from weather satellites is helping solar cells to produce more energy.
Pioneering images of both martian moons
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/ss_S,770.jpg" align="right" /> For the very first time, the martian moons Phobos and Deimos have been caught on camera together. ESA's Mars Express orbiter took these pioneering images last month. Apart from their ‘wow’ factor, these unique images will help the HRSC team validate and refine existing orbit models of the two moons.
ESA’s Tigers on prowl for solar corona’s secrets
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Proba3-3bis_small,0.jpg" align="right" /> Bring together a small group of highly motivated researchers, grant them full access to laboratory and production facilities, remove all administrative distractions, and let them work intensively for four to six months. That’s what ‘StarTiger’ is all about!
XMM-Newton celebrates decade of discovery
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/AI03_01_S.jpg" align="right" /> ESA’s XMM-Newton X-ray observatory is celebrating its 10th anniversary. During its decade of operation, this remarkable space observatory has supplied new data for every aspect of astronomy. From our cosmic backyard to the further reaches of the Universe, XMM-Newton has changed the way we think of space.
Space technology optimises windmill efficiency
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Turbine_aalborg-http_S.jpg" align="right" /> A French start-up company from ESA’s Business Incubation Centre in the Netherlands has developed a small instrument to measure wind speed and direction from the ground up to heights of 200 metres – information that is vital when deciding where to build a wind turbine to produce electricity.
Swirling clouds over the South Pacific
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/NAC_2009-11-13T05-48-06-317_S.png" align="right" /> Rosetta's OSIRIS imaging system spotted an anticyclone over the South Pacific on the morning of 13 November. The images show the scene roughly as a human eye would see it.
Rosetta sees a living planet
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/osiris_esb3_movie_g_S.gif" align="right" /> Images and data taken just before closest approach were downloaded this morning, and they show the lights of North America in the night and a glowing Southern Hemisphere.
Rosetta bound for outer Solar System after final Earth swingby
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/ss_S,687.jpg" align="right" /> This morning, mission controllers confirmed that ESA’s comet chaser Rosetta had swung by Earth at 8:45 CET as planned, skimming past our planet to pick up a gravitational boost for an epic journey to rendezvous with comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in 2014.
Rosetta darting across the night
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/ROS_2009Nov13_0205_S.gif" align="right" /> During the night of 12/13 November, scientists working at ESA's Optical Ground Station in Tenerife, Spain, conducted observations to view Rosetta as the satellite approached Earth.
NOW REPLAYING: Rosetta swingby eventESA/ESOC, Darmstadt, 08:00-09:00 CET
Watch replay of the Rosetta Earth swingby event from ESA's European Space Operations Centre, Darmstadt, 13 November, 08:18-09:00 CET.
First view of Earth as Rosetta approaches home
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/osiris_color_2009-11-12T12_small.28UTC_rot_north,0.png" align="right" /> This spectacular image of our home planet was captured by the OSIRIS instrument on ESA's Rosetta comet chaser earlier today as the spacecraft approached Earth for the third and final swingby. Closest approach is due at 08:45 CET, 13 November 2009. Follow Rosetta's progress at ESA's <a href="http://www.esa.int/rosetta">dedicated Rosetta site</a> and <a href="http://www.esa.int/blog">via the Rosetta Blog</a>.
ESA spacecraft may help unravel cosmic mystery
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/OrbiteEarthFlyBySud01_S,0.jpg" align="right" /> When Europe's comet chaser Rosetta swings by Earth tomorrow for a critical gravity assist, tracking data will be collected to precisely measure the satellite's change in orbital energy. The results could help unravel a cosmic mystery that has stumped scientists for two decades.
Estonia becomes fifth ESA European Cooperating State
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/DSC_0087,6.jpg" align="right" /> Estonia becomes the fifth European country to sign the European Cooperating State Agreement with ESA.
Seeing stars, Proba-2 platform passes its first health check
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Proba2-1-HR_small,0.jpg" align="right" /> Into its second week in orbit, Proba-2’s platform has proven to be in excellent health. This leaves the way clear for commissioning the many new technology payloads aboard the mini-satellite, among the smallest ever flown by ESA.
Rosetta approach on schedule
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/32_Rosetta_spacecraft_S.jpg" align="right" /> After the trajectory correction manoeuvre on 22 October, Rosetta has lined up on a near-perfect Earth approach path. The manoeuvre was so precise that mission controllers decided not to use the additional manoeuvre slot that was available yesterday.
Chaotic terrain between Kasei Valles and Sacra Fossae
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/448-20091007-6241-6-co-01-KaseiValles-SacraFossae_S.jpg" align="right" /> Mars Express flew over the boundary between Kasei Valles and Sacra Fossae and imaged the region, acquiring spectacular views of the chaotic terrain in the area.
Follow Rosetta’s final Earth boost
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Rosetta_Flight_Control_Team_S.jpg" align="right" /> ESA’s comet chaser Rosetta will swing by Earth for the last time on 13 November to pick up energy and begin the final leg of its 10-year journey to comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. ESA’s European Space Operations Centre will host a media briefing on that day.
Search and rescue aid wins navigation prize
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/main171_S.jpg" align="right" /> The Galileo Master prize for 2009 has been awarded to José Caro Ramón for his use of satellite navigation to increase the effectiveness of rescue dogs searching for survivors after natural disasters. The ESA prize went to Tim Springer for his idea of centimetre-level satnav positioning in near-realtime.
More efficient solar power with space technology
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/PV_plant_S.jpg" align="right" /> A new system from an Italian company uses weather satellite data to estimate the potential of solar cell power plants and monitor their performance. The approach helps to give a faster return on investments in clean solar energy.
Lava flows in Daedalia Planum
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/444-20090909-6396-6-co-01-DaedaliaPlanum_S.jpg" align="right" /> Mars Express imaged Daedalia Planum, a sparsely cratered, untextured plain on the Red Planet featuring solidified lava flows of varying ages.
Europe and US agree on civil space transportation cooperation
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/s128e009793_S.jpg" align="right" /> ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Friday 11 September for cooperation in the field of space transportation.
ESA and EUMETSAT sign GMES Framework Agreement
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/_PHS5960_S.jpg" align="right" /> ESA and EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, signed on 20 July a Framework Agreement on the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) Programme.
Saturn's moon shows evidence of ammonia
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/PIA06254_S,1.jpg" align="right" /> Data collected during two close flybys of Saturn's moon Enceladus by Cassini add more fuel to the fire about the icy world containing sub-surface liquid water.
ESA's Director General on Apollo 11 anniversary
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Dordain_small.jpg" align="right" /> ESA's Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain discusses the significance of the Apollo anniversary and of continuing lunar exploration.
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Cassini finding hints at ocean within Saturn’s moon Enceladus
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/PIA06254_S,0.jpg" align="right" /> European scientists on the joint NASA/ESA Cassini mission have detected, for the first time, sodium salts in ice grains of Saturn’s E-ring, which is primarily replenished by material from the plumes of water vapour and ice grains emitted by Saturn’s moon Enceladus. The detection of salty ice indicates that the little moon harbours a reservoir of liquid water, perhaps even an ocean, beneath its surface.
Start of Cassini's new mission
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/cassini_saturn_S.jpg" align="right" /> The Cassini spacecraft has a new two-year mission that will address new questions and bring it closer to two of its most intriguing targets: Titan and Enceladus. On 30 June, Cassini completed its four-year prime mission and began its extended mission, which was approved in April this year.<br>
<div class="full mt4"><a href="http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=43032">Full story</a></div>
Cassini’s grand tour of Saturn extended
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/Five_Saturn_Moons_S.jpg" align="right" /> The operations of the Cassini spacecraft, part of the international NASA/ ESA/ ASI Cassini-Huygens mission, have been extended by NASA by two years. The historic mission’s stunning discoveries and images have revolutionised our knowledge of Saturn and its moons.
Cassini 'tastes' organic brew at Saturn’s geyser moon
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/PIA10354_S,0.jpg" align="right" /> The Cassini spacecraft tasted and sampled a surprising organic brew erupting in geyser-like fashion from Saturn's moon Enceladus during a close flyby on 12 March. Scientists are amazed that this tiny moon is so active, ‘hot’ and brimming with water vapour and organic chemicals.
Ocean may exist beneath Titan's crust
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/PIA10243_S,0.jpg" align="right" /> Cassini has discovered evidence that points to the existence of an underground ocean of water and ammonia on Saturn's moon Titan. The findings were made using radar measurements of Titan's rotation.
Saturn’s moon Rhea may also have rings
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/PIA10246_S.jpg" align="right" /> The Cassini spacecraft has found evidence of material orbiting Rhea, Saturn's second largest moon. This is the first time rings may have been found around a moon.
Discovery's return marks completion of Esperia Mission
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/_SCO6886_S.jpg" align="right" /> Space Shuttle Discovery landed in Cape Canaveral, Florida this evening at 19:01 CET (18:01 UT), completing one of the most complex assembly missions to the International Space Station to date, bringing back seven crew members, including ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli.
See the ISS and Discovery in the morning sky over Europe
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/atlantisISS_dantowitz_sq.jpg" align="right" /> Early tomorrow morning there is a rare opportunity to see the Space Station flying in formation with Space Shuttle Discovery, homeward bound and due to land in Florida tomorrow evening.
Shuttle prepares to undock
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/s120e007608_S.jpg" align="right" /> After saying their farewells to the ISS crew yesterday evening, the STS-120 crew is preparing to undock from the International Space Station at 11:32 CET (10:32 UT) this morning. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to touchdown in Florida at 19:02 CET (18:02 UT) on Wednesday.
Fourth spacewalk to repair solar array
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/195445main_1031-03_array_damage_120.jpg" align="right" /> Astronauts on board the International Space Station are preparing for a spacewalk to repair one of the Station's solar arrays. The fourth spacewalk of the STS-120 mission is scheduled to take place on Saturday.
Second radio link-up between Nespoli and Italian students
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/s120e007553_S.jpg" align="right" /> The second amateur radio link-up between ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli and Italian students took place yesterday morning at around 8:33 CET (07:33 UT). This link-up continues the Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS) educational activity, which is part of the joint ESA-ASI programme of education activities for the Esperia mission.
Paolo Nespoli talks with the Italian President, Giorgio Napolitano
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/inflight31Oct_1_120.jpg" align="right" /> “Good morning Mr Nespoli <i>and nice to see you too Commander Melroy</i> [in English in the original],” that was how Giorgio Napolitano, President of the Italian Republic, started the call with the ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli and STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy, on board the International Space Station.
Esperia Mission is extended by one day
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/s120e006445_S.jpg" align="right" /> ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli and his fellow STS-120 crew members will stay in space for one extra day. Space Shuttle Discovery is now scheduled to land on 7 November.
Nespoli talks with Italian students via amateur radio
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/s120e007227_S.jpg" align="right" /> The first amateur radio link-up between ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli and Italian students was established yesterday morning at around 9:30 CET (08:30 UT). On this occasion two classes participated: the IIS Deambrosis-Natta School, from Sestri Levante, near Genoa, and the Engineering Faculty of the University of L'Aquila.
Winners selected in ESA space art contest
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/IMG_5690_small,0.jpg" align="right" /> Pupils from all over Germany joined ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter's ground-breaking Astrolab mission by taking part in an art contest. Over 500 excellent submissions made judging a challenge and showed that European students are interested in space and potential careers as scientists, engineers and explorers.
Personal digital assistants in space
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/IMG1_small,0.jpg" align="right" /> Can tiny and ubiquitous devices like Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) be of use for space applications? The answer is a definite yes. Recent tests have demonstrated current and future uses for PDAs on board the International Space Station.
'You see all of Europe in one glance' - Thomas Reiter reports on his ISS mission
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/007_S.jpg" align="right" /> The ISS, symbol of international cooperation, became a bit more international with ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter's long-duration mission. Today, Reiter met the press for the first time since returning from the International Space Station, at ESA's European Astronaut Centre (EAC), in Cologne, Germany.
Press conference with ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter after his mission to the ISS
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/s116e07286_S.jpg" align="right" /> ESA PR 03-2007. On Thursday 18 January, a press conference will take place at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany to give media a chance to meet the ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter, of Germany, after completion of his mission following the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery on 22 December.
ESA’s pair of astronauts back on Earth
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/DSC3588_S.jpg" align="right" /> ESA PR 49-2006. Space Shuttle Discovery landed in Cape Canaveral, Florida tonight at 23:32 CET (22:32 UTC/GMT), completing one of the most complex assembly missions to the International Space Station to date, and bringing back ESA's two astronauts, Christer Fuglesang and Thomas Reiter.
Reiter starts journey home
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/s116e06542_S.jpg" align="right" /> ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter started his journey back to Earth yesterday evening when Space Shuttle Discovery undocked from the International Space Station. Reiter spent a total of 166 days living on the orbiting outpost.
Thomas Reiter joins Shuttle descent crew
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/iss014e07751_S,0.jpg" align="right" /> Early this morning, the installation of a new seat liner in the Soyuz TMA-9 spacecraft marked the end of ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter's period as a member of the Space Station's Expedition crew.
Out-of-this-world cuisine
<img src="http://www.esa.int/images/__diaporamas_ducasse_I_0000019745_t_S.jpg" align="right" /> A French master chef has taken his meals to a new location this week. London? Tokyo? New York? Not far enough for Alain Ducasse Formation (ADF). Last Sunday their meals were served to the astronauts living on board the International Space Station.
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