banner
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology
@technology.esa.int
3.7K followers 60 following 100 posts
Follow the latest news, developments and new technologies from the European Space Agency's R&D Directorate
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
Reposted by ESA Technology
operations.esa.int
ESA Operations @operations.esa.int · 1d
Happy launch anniversary to ESA's Hera mission! 🎂🥳

One year ago ESA's first planetary defence mission was stranded on Earth, its launcher grounded, as a hurricane closed in on its launch site. What a difference a year makes! www.esa.int/ESA_Multimed...
Hera’s first year in space
www.esa.int
1 17 64
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · 1d
🛰️🖥️ Training new operators for the Large Space Simulator, Europe’s largest vacuum chamber, used to be tricky… but not anymore! The simulator recently got a digital twin - a very realistic virtual model - which will serve as a training tool and much more 👉 www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
The cavernous chamber of the Large Space Simulator
11 66
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · 14d
🔴Moving around on Mars is tricky - its surface can be too rocky for a rover in one place, and too smooth for the navigation of a drone in another😬 During his internship with @esa.int, a robotics student investigated what would happen if a rover and a drone teamed up 🤖 🫱🏽‍🫲🏻 🚁 www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
TU Delft student Dielof van Loon and his drone
2 10 31
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · 15d
📍🌕 Landing a spacecraft on the Moon with pinpoint precision while relying on ground-based tracking systems is complex and costly. A recent PhD project, co-funded by @esa.int, @dlr-en.bsky.social and OHB explored how we could teach spacecraft to find their own way 🧭🛰️ 👉 www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
Future of navigation R&D
3 15
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · 22d
💪🏼🦴 Muscle weakening and bone density loss – side effects of microgravity bear many similarities to ageing 🚀👵🏽 A student from TU Delft and VU Amsterdam compared effects of ageing with those of altered gravity from a cellular perspective during her internship at @esa.int 👉 www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
A cell’s-eye view of altered gravity and ageing
Muscle weakening, bone density loss and an impaired immune system: the systemic health impacts of spaceflight bear many similarities to ageing. Sharon van Rijthoven, a student from Delft University of...
www.esa.int
1 1 17
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · 27d
Welcome to ESTEC, Plato 👋 Good luck with all your tests! 🤞
science.esa.int
ESA Space Science @science.esa.int · 27d
Welcome, Plato! 🤗

On 1 September, the spacecraft arrived in the Netherlands by boat from Germany via the Rhine River.

In the coming weeks, engineers will add the sunshield & solar arrays and carry out tests to confirm Plato is ready for launch 🚀
www.esa.int/Science_Expl...

🔭 #Exoplanets
A large cargo ship named VAARWEL, painted in blue and white, is sailing through a canal. The ship has a flag at its front and is passing under an open drawbridge in the background. The canal is lined with trees on both sides, and the sky above is bright blue with scattered white clouds. A few people are visible on the bridge and near the water’s edge. In the foreground, at the bottom right, a small boat with a single person inside floats near the ship. A large green truck from Kübler Spedition is transporting a massive container wrapped in a protective tarp. The container displays several logos and text, including the logo of the European Space Agency (ESA), indicating it is part of a specialised transport operation. In the background, there is an industrial building with large metal silos under a blue sky. In a cleanroom environment, two individuals wearing blue lab coats and hairnets are working around a large spacecraft. The spacecraft is covered in protective plastic sheeting and mounted on a white transport platform labelled with technical instructions. In a cleanroom environment, a group of engineers wearing protective coats, gloves, and face masks are working on a large spacecraft component. The component is mounted on a white wheeled platform. The top of the spacecraft carries 26 cylindrical cameras. The workspace is surrounded by structural supports and white fabric walls, creating a clean and controlled environment.
2 19
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · 29d
🚨 Breaking news! 🚨

The first 7000 tickets for the ESA ESTEC Open Day were gone in just 5 hours! 🎟️✨

⏰ The next batch will open today at 14:00 - so set your timers!

👉 www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA...
nl.esa.int
ESA in het Nederlands @nl.esa.int · 29d
🚨 Belangrijk nieuws! 🚨

De eerste 7.000 tickets voor de ESTEC Open Dag zijn al binnen 5 uur uitverkocht! 🎟️✨

⏰ De volgende batch gaat vandaag om 14:00 uur weer open, dus zet je wekkers!

👉 t.co/jvMSUhGzfb
2 11
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Sep 8
🚀 Registration is now OPEN for ESTEC Open Day – General Public Day!

📅 Sunday, 12 October
📍 ESA ESTEC, Noordwijk, the Netherlands

🔓 Register now ➡️ www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA...
🎟️ Entry is free, but spots fill up fast - claim yours now!

Let’s explore space together! 🌍🧑‍🚀

#ESAOpenDay #50YearsOfESA
nl.esa.int
ESA in het Nederlands @nl.esa.int · Sep 8
🚀 De inschrijving voor de ESTEC Open Dag – Dag voor het grote publiek is nu geopend!

🗓️ Zondag 12 oktober
📍 ESA ESTEC, Noordwijk

🔓 Schrijf je nu in ➡️ www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA...
2 8 43
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Sep 8
🌈 What an unforgettable day at Leiden Canal Pride Parade 2025! 🌈

A huge thank you to everyone who came out to cheer, dance, and celebrate with us on the canals of Leiden. The energy, love, and joy were absolutely contagious! 🫶

Space for all ❤️ #canalprideleiden #prideleiden #pride
nl.esa.int
ESA in het Nederlands @nl.esa.int · Sep 7
🌈Wat een onvergetelijke dag was het tijdens de Leiden Canal Pride Parade 2025!🌈

Hartelijk dank aan iedereen die is gekomen om met ons te juichen, dansen en feesten op de grachten van Leiden. De energie, liefde en vreugde waren absoluut aanstekelijk!🫶
Een feestelijke bootparade op een gracht, ter ere van Pride en inclusiviteit. De boot is versierd met regenboogkleurige vlaggen, ballonnen en spandoeken. Op één spandoek staat ‘SPACE’ met het logo van de Europese Ruimtevaartorganisatie (ESA) en op een ander spandoek staat ‘EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY FOR ALL’. De mensen op de boot zwaaien vrolijk met vlaggen en vieren feest. Toeschouwers staan langs de gracht voor traditionele Nederlandse gebouwen, met bomen en bloemen die bijdragen aan de levendige sfeer.
1 6 31
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Sep 7
Tomorrow’s the day! 🚀 On Monday 8 September, registration opens for the ESA ESTEC Open Day!
Don’t miss your once-a-year chance to explore space up close – including a special look at the Plato mission, ESA’s upcoming planet-hunting spacecraft 🌌🔭
#ESAOpenDay #50YearsOfESA #NLSW25 #NLSpace #SpaceRocks
nl.esa.int
ESA in het Nederlands @nl.esa.int · Sep 7
Morgen is het zover! 🚀
De inschrijving voor de ESA ESTEC Open Dagis geopend.
Mis deze unieke kans niet om de ruimte van dichtbij te verkennen, inclusief een speciale blik op de PLATO-missie, ESA's aankomende ruimtesonde voor het zoeken naar planeten. 🌌🔭 #ESAOpenDay #ESAOpenDay #50YearsOfESA
2 12
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Sep 6
Only 2️⃣ days until registration opens for ESA ESTEC Open Day! 🚀 Bring your questions, your family, and your curiosity - and meet astronauts who have flown to space, as well as those preparing for future missions 🌍👩🏽‍🚀

#ESAOpenDay #50YearsOfESA #NLSW25 #NLSpace #SpaceRocks #NetherlandsSpace #NSO
nl.esa.int
ESA in het Nederlands @nl.esa.int · Sep 6
Nog 2 dagen! 🚀
Neem je vragen, je familie en je nieuwsgierigheid mee en ontmoet astronauten die naar de ruimte zijn gevlogen, evenals astronauten die zich voorbereiden op toekomstige missies. De ruimte wacht op je. 🌍🧑‍🚀

#ESAOpenDay #50YearsOfESA #NLSW25 #NLSpace #SpaceRocks #NetherlandsSpace #NSO
1 7
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Sep 5
Only 3️⃣ days until registration opens for ESA ESTEC Open Day! 🚀 Get ready to meet the minds behind ESA’s missions, dive into hands-on science, and enjoy an out-of-this-world experience with our partner @spacerocksofficial.bsky.social! 🌌 #ESAOpenDay #50YearsOfESA #SpaceRocks #NSO
nl.esa.int
ESA in het Nederlands @nl.esa.int · Sep 5
Nog maar 3 dagen tot de inschrijving opent! 🚀
Maak je klaar om de breinen achter de ESA-missies te ontmoeten, je onder te dompelen in praktische wetenschap en te genieten van een buitenaardse ervaring met onze partner @spacerocksofficial.bsky.social 🌌
#ESAOpenDay #50YearsOfESA #SpaceRocks#NSO
2 11
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Sep 5
🌈 We’re thrilled to announce that ESA ESTEC, our technical heart in the Netherlands, will join the Leiden Canal Pride Parade this Saturday at 13:30 CEST! 🚣🏾‍♀️ 🏳️‍🌈

Come cheer us on and let’s celebrate diversity together! #SpaceForAll ❤️

#canalprideleiden #prideleiden #pride
ESA ESTEC at Leiden Canal Pride Parade 2024 Route of Leiden Canal Pride Parade 2025
1 7 31
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Sep 4
🚀 The ESA ESTEC Open Day is almost here! Over the years, thousands of curious minds have joined us to explore the future of space... and this year we're inviting them again!

Registration opens in 4 days! 📅 Monday 8 September
nl.esa.int
ESA in het Nederlands @nl.esa.int · Sep 3
🚀 De ESA ESTEC Open Dag komt er weer aan! Door de jaren heen hebben duizenden nieuwsgierige geesten zich bij ons aangesloten om de toekomst van de ruimte te verkennen, en dit jaar doen we dat weer!

De inschrijving start over 5 dagen!

📅 Maandag 8 september
3 14
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Sep 2
Today at #ESTEC in 🇳🇱 we celebrate 30 years of ESA Navigation activities, which resulted in the world's most accurate satellite navigation system, Galileo - one of our 50 hallmark achievements in our 50 year anniversary! www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA...
1 2 19
Reposted by ESA Technology
esa.int
European Space Agency @esa.int · Aug 18
✅ Registration is now open for #ESAOpenDays (11 October, Disability Access Day) at ESA ESTEC 👇

(note: General Public Day registration opens 8 Sept.)
16 71
Reposted by ESA Technology
esa.int
European Space Agency @esa.int · Aug 15
🚀 Get ready for ESA ESTEC Open Days! We’re proud to host a dedicated day for people with disabilities and special needs.

📅11 Oct. – People with a disability (registration opens 18 Aug.)
📅12 Oct. – General public (registration opens 8 Sept.)

📍Noordwijk 🇳🇱

📲Stay tuned #ESAOpenDay #50YearsOfESA
nl.esa.int
ESA in het Nederlands @nl.esa.int · Aug 15
🚀 ESA ESTEC Open Dagen komen eraan!
We zijn er trots op dat we een speciale dag voor mensen met een handicap en speciale behoeften kunnen organiseren

📅 11 okt: Dag voor mensen met een beperking (tickets 18 aug)
📅 12 okt: Voor iedereen (tickets 8 sep)

#ESAOpenDay #50YearsOfESA
16 74
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Aug 19
On Earth, in orbit and beyond - Our technologies enable some of the world's most amazing sights! 📸 #WorldPhotographyDay2025

Thanks to our stellar photographers; Proba-3, YPSat-1 and ESA-SJM Photography 📸
One of the first images of Proba-3's artifical solar eclipse. ESA's JUICE Mission being tested in the ESTEC Test Centre. YPSat-1 looks back at Earth from the inaugural flight of Ariane 6, with the South Pacific and Antarctica below. ESA engineers fit out ESA's JUICE mission in the ESTEC Test Centre.
2 13
Reposted by ESA Technology
operations.esa.int
ESA Operations @operations.esa.int · Aug 6
ESA's Hera mission has spotted its first asteroids!

Hera is on the way to the Didymos binary asteroid system to explore the aftermath of humankind's first attempt to move an asteroid.

Though faint, these observations are very encouraging for the performance of Hera's camera.
3 27 140
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Aug 8
Happy #InternationalCatDay from Micky, our very own space cat! 😸 🚀 This cuddly furball resides at ESTEC, ESA’s technology centre in the Netherlands, where he accepts pets and scratches from engineers taking a paws from their busy day 🐾🐈 99estec-objects.esa.int/object-items...
Micky the Space Cat resides at ESTEC Micky the Space Cat and his poster
6 38
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Jul 28
🚀 Europe’s new CO2 monitoring mission, MicroCarb, launched on Vega-C last weekend, ready to map the world’s main sources and sinks of this greenhouse gas 🌏👉 www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
@transport.esa.int @cnes.fr @eumetsat.int @ec.europa.eu @thalesaleniaspace.bsky.social @ukspaceagency.bsky.social
MicroCarb in preparation for its flight on Vega-C Launch of Vega-C flight VV27
3 20 100
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Jul 17
🤖 Meet Olympus – a four-legged robot that recently jumped from wall to wall at @esa.int’s robotics laboratory in conditions simulating the low gravity of Mars 🔴 👉 www.esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
Jorgen testing his four-legged robot Olympus at ESA's ORBIT facility The four-legged robot Olympus tested at ESA's ORBIT facility
1 9 60
Reposted by ESA Technology
esa.int
European Space Agency @esa.int · Jul 16
🚀Meet INVICTUS – Europe’s new hypersonic test platform.

We have joined forces with UK-based Frazer-Nash to kick off INVICTUS, a research programme with the goal of developing hypersonic technologies applicable to future reusable vehicles capable of horizontal launch.

▶️ esa.int/Enabling_Sup...
A sleek, futuristic aircraft soars above a sea of fluffy clouds. The aircraft features two large engines mounted atop its wings and a distinctive vertical tail fin. The sky is bright, with sunlight casting dramatic shadows across the cloud tops.
3 28 210
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Jul 15
📢 You are invited to the 7th @esa.int #Quantum Technology Conference, the hub for European institutions, space industry, and academia involved in quantum technologies for space! 📅 7-9 October in Crete, Greece @forth-ite.bsky.social. Early bird registration open: nikal.eventsair.com/7th-quantum-...
ESA's 7th Quantum Technology Conference 2025
9
technology.esa.int
ESA Technology @technology.esa.int · Jul 9
🎂🚀 #OTD 1 year ago, Ariane 6 lifted off for its inaugural flight. On board was YPSat-1, a mission fully developed by @esa.int’s young professionals. Attached to the rocket’s upper stage, it delivered stunning images from the historic flight 📸👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH-N...
1 1 18