European Space Agency - ESA

The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space and the advancement of space science and technology. Established in 1975 and headquartered in Paris, France, ESA operates in collaboration with its 22 member states to conduct space missions, develop satellite systems, and foster international cooperation in space research and exploration. ESA's activities span a wide range of areas, including Earth observation, space science, human spaceflight, satellite navigation, and telecommunications. One of ESA's primary objectives is to collect and analyze data from space to better understand Earth's environment, climate, and natural phenomena. Through its Earth observation programs, such as the Copernicus program, ESA operates a fleet of satellites that monitor the planet's land, oceans, atmosphere, and cryosphere. These satellites collect a wealth of data on topics like sea level rise, deforestation, air quality, and natural disasters, providing valuable information for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and scientific research. In addition to Earth observation, ESA conducts space science missions to study the cosmos and unravel the mysteries of the universe. From missions to explore distant planets and asteroids to observatories studying the origins of the universe, ESA's space science endeavors produce vast amounts of data on celestial bodies, cosmic phenomena, and the fundamental laws of physics. To disseminate the data collected from its missions and satellite systems, ESA employs various channels and platforms. ESA operates data archives and repositories where researchers and the public can access raw and processed data from space missions and Earth observation satellites. Additionally, ESA collaborates with national space agencies, research institutions, and international organizations to share data and promote scientific collaboration. Through online portals, data hubs, and dedicated data access platforms, ESA provides easy and open access to its vast repository of space data, empowering scientists, policymakers, and citizens to explore and utilize space-derived information for scientific research, innovation, and societal benefit. This page contains a quick reference how to access and find ESA datasets and services.