European Space AgencyESAorESA, founded in 1975, is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to space exploration, with 22 member countries and headquartered in FranceParis。The European Space Agency's space flight program includes manned spaceflight (mainly through participationThe International Space StationPlan).
Launching and operating other planets andMoonUnmanned detection mission;Earth observation, science and communication;Design launch vehicle;Maintain the main space launch site,French GuyanaGuyana Space Center in Kuru.[1]On September 2, 2019, the ESA "Fengshen" meteorological satellite andSpace Exploration Technologies"Star Chain 44" satellite collision.The European Space Agency (ESA) took an emergency orbit change operation on a satellite to avoid a possible "space traffic accident".[2]On June 9, 2020, according to the data of the European Space Agency (ESA), the global magnetic field intensity has decreased by 9% in the past 200 years.[3]
On March 17, 2022, the European Space Agency announced the termination of cooperation with Russia.[27]
the Second World WarAfter that, many European scientists leftWestern EuropereachU.S.AWork.Although the prosperity of the 1950s enabled Western European countries to invest in research in the space field, Western European scientists found that a single national project could not compete with the two superpowers.Edoardo Amaldi, 1958[4]And Pierre Auger[5]At that time, the two most prominent members of the Western European scientific community met to discuss the establishment of a common Western European Space Agency, and representatives from eight countries attended the meeting.
Western European countries decided to set up two different institutions, one focusing on the development of launch systems, ELDO (European Launch Development Organization), and the predecessor of the European Space Agency, ESRO (European Space Research Organization).The latter was established on March 20, 1964.From 1968 to 1972, ESRO launched seven research satellites.
International Space Station, ESA module
In 1975, ESRO merged with ELDO to establish the European Space Agency.[6]At that time, there were 10 founding members:BelgiumDenmarkFranceGermany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.In 1975, the European Space Agency completed its first major scientific and technological mission, COS-B, to monitor gamma ray radiation in the universeSpace probe。
European Space Agency joinedNASAThe IUE project launched the world's first high orbit telescope in 1978 and has been in operation successfully for 18 years.Later, he completed many successful Earth orbit projects, and began the first deep space mission Giotto in 1986 to study comets Halley and Grigg – Skjellerup.The famous surveying and mapping mission, Hipparcos, was completed in 1989.In the 1990s,Solar and heliospheric detectors, Ulysses andHubble Space TelescopeIt was completed jointly with NASA.Recent scientific missions with NASA include the Cassini – Huygens spacecraft.
History of rocket application
Ariana rocket
ESA participation in international cooperation programs
Since the establishment of the European Space Agency, it has developedRocket technologyAs the primary goal, 11 countries participated in the establishment of theAriana Space。
Its earliest model is Ariana 1 rocket, which can deliver 1.85 tons ofPayloadSendGeosynchronous transfer orbit, or put a 2.5 ton payload into theSun synchronous circular orbit。
Ariana rocket has transited to the era of Type 5 family. It is a widely used model.Ariana 5 rocketIn order to meet the market demand, the European Space Agency has made great efforts to improve the developed rocket varieties and keep up with the similar development history of several models. The Ariane 5 rocket has also gone through a tortuous road.
On June 4, 1996, the rocket navigation was first identified for launchcomputerFailure due to system failure;On October 30, 1997, the second verification launch was conducted due torocket engineThe two simulation satellites failed to enter the scheduled orbit due to early shutdown;On July 12, 2001, when the 10th Ariane 5 rocket was launched, the rocket's top thruster flamed out in advance, resulting in the failure of two satellites to enter the predetermined orbit.It was not until March 1, 2002 that the 11th Ariane 5 rocket was successfully launched.
Development of Vega rocket
International Space Station, European ESA, Japanese JAXA and American NASA modules
Before 2005, the European Space Agency (ESA) realized that they needed a rocket with low launch thrust. This rocket should be the younger brother of Ariana Rocket. It has been included in the R&D agenda, but this rocket does not belong to Ariana family. The name of this rocket is“Vega”。
The Vega rocket has a small thrust. It is 30 meters in length, 3 meters in diameter and 130 tons in launch weight.Vega carrier rocketIt will consist of four propulsion stages, including three solid propulsion stages and one liquid propulsion stage that can be re ignited.According to the earliest design idea, it is mainly used to launch small mass earth observation satellites and various scientific research satellites.The rocket can deliver a 1.5 ton payload to thePolar orbit, or send 1.2 tons of payload to theSun synchronous orbit。
The European Space Agency believes that the overall performance of Vega rocket is better than that of the same type of rocket, and plans to launch it for the first time in 2007.
Jointly develop new alliance rockets with Russia
ESA，German astronaut spacewalk
At the beginning of 2005, the European Space Agency and Russia signed an agreement on the joint development of rockets. According to the agreement, the two sides want to share their achievements and develop a new "Alliance CT" rocket. This rocket is a medium-sized rocket, which is based on the Russian "Alliance" rocket.The two sides will jointly develop and operate, and will use this new rocket inKulu Space CenterContract commercial launch business.
Since 2002, the European Space Agency has greatly accelerated its space development projects, and Huygens landed on Titan“Smart One”Flying to the moon and the "Mars Express" running around Mars, the European Space Agency seems to have made brilliant achievements, but its rocket technology seriously restricts the development of space technology, which requires continued exploration in rocket research and development.After experiencing the confusion of Ariana rocket development, the European Space Agency (ESA) realized that it would cost too much to develop rockets based on its own capabilities. National cooperation will become the main means for ESA to develop rocket technology in the future.
The third batch
On June 13, 2022, the European Space Agency (ESA) released a multidimensional map of the Milky Way Galaxy drawn with the help of the Gaia space probe.This is the third batch of Galaxy exploration data released by the European Aviation Administration, and it is also the most detailed galaxy map of the Milky Way so far.[29]
European SpaceX
On May 22, 2024 local time, the European Space Agency took the first step to build a European version of SpaceX, choosing two companies to develop commercial cargo services for the International Space Station.The European Space Agency announced that the French German joint venture Exploration Company and the French Italian joint venture space system supplier Thales Alenia Aerospace won the contract.[38]
Internal organization
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headquarters
The headquarters in Paris, where political decisions are made;
Technology Research Center
The European Space Research and Technology Center, located in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, is the main technical agency of ESA, where most project teams, as well as the Department of Space Science and technical research and support engineers work.The European Space Research and Technology Center also provides relevant test facilities;
Operation monitoring center
Located in GermanyDarmstadt(Darmstadt), which is responsible for all satellite operations and corresponding ground facilities and communication networks;
graduate school
Located in ItalyFrascati(Frascati), whose main task is to use Earth observation data from space;
Astronaut Center
Located in GermanyCologneEurope of CologneastronautThe Center, which coordinates all European astronaut activities, including the training of future European astronauts;
Columbus orbital facility: a scientific laboratory of the International Space Station.[11]
ATV: Automatic Transfer vehicle, a space cargo ship that can be compared with the Progress spacecraft of the International Space Station.[12]
Hipparcos: Astrometry Mission in Space[13]
Smart 1: Full name is "Small Mission 1 for Advanced Technology Research", the first of the European Space AgencyLunar probe, launched on September 27, 2003, shouldering the important mission of the European Space Agency to explore the moon for the first time, and testing its solar energy equipmentIon engine。
Venus Express : Venus exploration satellite, launched on April 11, 2006[14]
The main projects under development are:X-rayMulti lens mission, launched in 1999;Cluster-2，It was founded in 2000 bySoyuzrocket launching;internationalGamma rayLaboratory, established in 2001 byProton numberrocket launching;Rosetta，This is a rendezvous with the cometozoneThe analyzed flight mission was launched in 2003;Far-infraredSpace telescopeFIRST，Launched in 2005-2006.
Dealing with the field of earth science
Astronauts from ESA and other organizations on the International Space Station
ESAGeosynchronous orbitSix first generation Meteosat satellite spacecraft were launched, providing continuous meteorological data since the end of 1997.The last satellite in this series, Meteosat-7, which was launched by Ariana in Kulu on September 3, 1997, will extend its coverage period until it is in contact withEuropean Organization for the Application of Meteorological SatellitesThe first spacecraft of the second generation Meteosat satellite jointly developed can provide geostationary data after 2000.
ENVISAT mission deals with a series of problems in the field of geosciences, including climate and environment, chemistryoceanographyAnd glaciers to human activities (land transformation process, coastal transformation process, atmosphere andmarine pollution）And monitoring unexpected natural events (such as floods and volcanic eruptions).[15]ESA is working with major Earth observation participants in Europe, such asEuropean Commission、European Organization for the Application of Meteorological SatellitesUsers and industry representatives work closely together to develop strategic recommendations for the future ESA Earth observation programme.At the world level, ESA intends to continue to strengthen its cooperation with China, India, JapanRussian federationContact with the United States.
The Ariane launch device provides Europe with an independent way to enter space, which is a major goal of the European comprehensive strategy. In addition, it also includes the provision of satellites, ground stations, high-tech services and other applications by Europe.In addition, Ariane has become the most remarkable space achievement in Europe in terms of its commercial volume, and Europe has accounted for about 60% of the world commercial market.Its economic benefits in production and launch activities are more than three times the investment made by governments in the development of Ariana 1-4 series.
Manned space flight and microgravity
European Space Agency Develops New Spacecraft to Detect Mercury
ESA has contributed to the space shuttle program of the United States through Spacelab, which is an important way tolife sciencesAnd material science researchSpace laboratory。First, through Spacelab, and throughMir Space StationThe joint mission with the Russian Federation (the 30 day European Peace 94 mission and the 180 day European Peace 95 mission) enabled European astronauts and scientists to enter outer space.
Christmas asteroid
In December 2022,The European Space Agency reported on social media Twitter that European scientists had found an asteroid, 2015 RN35, flying to Earth, and called on amateur astronomers to observe the "Christmas asteroid" together.[33]
Romania signed the accession agreement in January 2011, becoming the 19th member state.The European Space Agency signed an agreement with the Polish government in September 2012,CanadaIt is a non member country that participates in some cooperation projects of the European Space Agency through agreements.
The most important and lasting cooperation is obviously with NASA.ESA is also involved in working with Russia andRussian Federal Space AgencySuch as the European Mir flight in 1994-95.In addition, an important and specific cooperation relationship has been established with Japan, mainly in data relay satellites andThe International Space StationHardware switching field.
Staff of the European Space Agency ground control center
ESA and emerging space countriesdeveloping countryA number of projects of mutual interest have been formulated and carried out to assist them in developing their own space activities.[19]ESA also regularly organizes regional training courses related to space applications.
european unionThe European Space Agency and its member states are committed to increasing their cooperation in activities and projects, as well as coordinating their respective roles in the space field.ESA works closely with other international organizations in Europe, particularly the European Union andEuropean Organization for the Application of Meteorological SatellitesCollaboration on future meteorological programmes.Besides, it looks atthe United NationsThe work of many specialized agencies.United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer SpaceIt is an important forum of ESA, which hasobserverStatus.ESA also works withOffice for Outer Space AffairsKeep close contact;In accordance with a recommendation of the Second United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, the two entities have developed an important training and fellowship programme.
In July 2015, the new Director of the European Space AgencyJohn Dietrich WernerPropose global cooperationMoon Village。Werner's future vision for the Moon Village is a multinational settlement where astronauts (including Russian and Chinese astronauts) live.To build a moon village together is just talk on paper.No country or institution has provided funds or made specific plans for this concept.However, Werner said that the reason why he proposed to establish the Moon Village was to encourage people to discuss issues such as future space research, exploration and space science and technology applications.[17]
On February 26, 2022, Mitri Rogozin, Director of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), announced that in response to EU sanctions against Russia, Russia would suspend space launch cooperation with the European Space Agency at the French Guiana Space Center.[24]
On February 21, 2024 local time, the European Space Agency announced that its Earth Observation Program Organizing Committee had approved two small satellite development projects to observe the Earth's magnetic field and greenhouse gas emissions, respectively.According to ESA, these two projects will follow the principle of low cost and short development cycle, each project cost should be less than 35 million euros, and it must take three years from project launch to satellite launchCompleted within.[36]
NASA Cooperative ESA
NASA's future Orion manned spacecraft
The European Space Agency (ESA) will provide support for the propulsion system and electrical system of NASA's future Orion manned spacecraft, that is, to participate in the construction of the service module.The service module of the new spacecraft will be based on the design of the existing cargo spacecraft in Europe.
Dan Dumbacher, deputy director of NASA, said: "Space exploration has always been the forefront of international cooperation. The new cooperation reached this time marks the further deepening of our cooperation with ESA and helps to accelerate the pace of deep space exploration."
NASA hopes to eventually use the "bell shaped" Orion spacecraft to take astronauts to asteroids and Mars.Bill Gerstenmaier, director of manned space missions, said that international cooperation is very important in future space activities.
The United States has formulated a clear space plan for the future.Regardless of the future flight destination, the most basic design requirements for Orion spacecraft have basically taken shape.Former astronaut Thomas Reiter said that it was reasonable that the first Orion astronauts, including Europeans, should be included.
This decision of NASA shows that they have great confidence in the capabilities of ESA.It is also a very good development opportunity for ESA.
Orion spacecraft was originally part of NASA's Constellation program, which was intended to be used to establish a space base on the moon in the post space shuttle era.After President Obama took office, he canceled the constellation plan, but the research and development of Orion spacecraft has been preserved.The spaceship is planned to be launched for the first time by nobody in 2017 and manned flight for the first time in 2021.[22]
In terms of achievements, NASA has undoubtedly achieved more than ESA, and has formed products in all aspects. ESA still has a lot to learn from NASA.
NASA and the European Space Agency will launch two spacecraft to Mars in 2026, one of which will land on Mars in 2028[31]。
China EU cooperation
In 2004, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the European Space Agency launched the scientific and technological cooperation plan in the field of Earth observation - "Dragon Plan", which will be officially launched in 2020"Dragon Plan" Phase V[32]。
On January 28, 2022, the pilot project of space science (phase II), the Solar Wind Magnetospheric Interaction Panoramic Imaging Satellite (SMILE) payload magnetometer pole extension test was successfully implemented at the European Space Technology Center (ESTEC).SMILE satellite, as the first space science project of in-depth cooperation between China and the EU, is deeply integrated in the process of demonstration, design, manufacturing, delivery and integration testing[23]。
On May 3, 2024, the fairing of the Chang'e-6 mission rocket of the fourth phase of the Chinese lunar exploration project was marked with the logo of the European Space Agency, and the ESA lunar surface anion analyzer was carried。[37]
European Space Agency and Russia
On February 26, 2022, the Russian Federal Space Agency issued a statement saying that, in response to the EU's sanctions against Russia, Russia would suspend its space launch activities in French Guyana and withdraw its technicians.[27]
On March 17, 2022 local time, the European Space Agency announced the termination of cooperation with Russia.[26]
On April 13, 2022, the European Space Agency announced the suspension of cooperation with Russia on the moon project.On the same day, Rogozin, general manager of the Russian Space Group, also said that European instruments on the Russian lunar probe would be dismantled.[28]
New strategy
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The European Space Agency (ESA) announced the clearest Martian surface
Seemingly, the focus of ESA's space exploration is notManned spaceflight, but deep space exploration.Rosetta launched in 2004[20]Comet detectorOn the way to the comet "Chuliumov Grasimenko", the "Venus Express" launched in 2005 returnedVenusClear pictures of the polar regions.MercuryThe probe will leave for Mercury in recent years, and the European Space Agency plans to launch two satellites between 2009 and 2012GAIASatellite, used to accurately measure the position of more than one billion stars in space, understand the origin and history of the Milky Way, launched around 2013“Eddington”Satellites, searching for distant galaxiesasteroid, launched after 2010Darwin Plan, how far from the earthLight yearSpace is far away to explore the trace of life.
In order to get rid of this unfavorable situation, the European Space Agency has developed a newManned spaceflightStrategy, more emphasis on independent development.In May 2003, the 14 member countries of the European Space Agency unanimously agreed to implement the "Plan for Safeguarding Europe's Access to Space" from 2005 to 2009.At the same time, in order to promote the existingCarrier rocketMedium term development of the system and new generation Europe around 2010Space transportationThe European Space Agency has also put forward the "Future Transport Preparation Plan" and the "Europespace technologyMaster Plan ".In terms of manned space, the European Space Agency has established an ambitious“aurora”It is planned to send astronauts to the moon between 2020 and 2025, and land between 2030 and 2035Mars。[21]
Space events
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On September 2, 2019, the ESA "Fengshen" meteorological satellite andSpace Exploration Technologies"Star Chain 44" satellite collision.
On September 3, 2019, ESA issued a statement saying that about a week ago, the US Air Force data showed that the ESA "Fengshen" meteorological satellite might collide with the "Xinglian 44" satellite on September 2.The space debris office of ESA contacted the "Star Chain" team on August 28, and the team replied that it had no plans to take action within one day.
The European Aviation Administration pointed out that the probability of collision reaches one in ten thousand, which is the critical value for determining action.On September 1, the collision probability rose to about one thousandth.On September 2, according to the earlier communication records, ESA determined that the US satellite would not change its orbit, so it issued a command to make the "Aeolus" satellite ignite and change its orbit three times, avoiding the accident.
On September 3, 2019,Space Exploration TechnologiesIn a statement, it said that when contacting with the European Aviation Administration on August 28, the collision risk was only one in 50000, so there was no need to take action;Later, the US Air Force warned that the collision risk was more than one in ten thousand, but the company's communication system failed, resulting in the technicians not seeing the follow-up email.In the statement, the company also said that if the "Star Link" technicians saw the relevant communication content, they would definitely contact ESA to determine the best assistance program or take their own avoidance operations.
Holger Dragh, the head of space security of ESA, pointed out that neither side was wrong in this incident, but it showed that there was an urgent need to carry out appropriate space traffic management, ensure smooth communication between satellite operators, and develop automatic avoidance technology for spacecraft.[2]
On March 2, 2022, according to the BBC, the European Space Agency (ESA) said in a statement that the Mars probe Rosalind Franklin was "unlikely" to be launched in 2022.[25]
In March 2022, the European Space Agency released a high-resolution image of the sun, claiming the highest resolution image ever, with a size of 56.26MB.The image was taken by the high resolution telescope of the Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) on March 7, and 25 single images were spliced. Each image took 10 minutes to shoot, which took more than 4 hours in total.
On August 30, 2022 local time, it was reported that the Hubble Telescope and the James Weber Telescope jointly developed by NASA and the European Space Agency recently captured a new image of the Mirage Galaxy, officially named M74, located in Pisces, 32 million light-years away from the Earth.[30]
In January 2024, the European Space Agency (ESA) Mars Express exploration satellite found that there were a lot of ice water deposits near the equator of Mars。[35]
Honors won
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In June 2023, ESA won the 2023 World Space Award Team Award.[34]
High resolution images of the sun released by the European Space Agency
