'Jules Vernes', the first Automated Transfer Vehicle, will automatically dock with the International Space Station following its launch next year. To ensure that the rendezvous and docking occurs without any problems, Jules Vernes' crucial navigation systems are being qualified at an exceptional test centre 100 km west of Paris, in France.

ATV docking trials

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Herschel will share its launch with a partner, the Planck microwave space observatory, as it begins its journey to its destination in space. The two satellites are now undergoing their final tests before launch

Herschel and Planck

With a growing global population ensuring food security in the world's poorer countries is a major concern – one that is being eased the help of data from Earth observation satellites such as Envisat

Food and satellites: Keeping an eye on food production

On 25 and 26 November in The Hague, Ministers in charge of space activities within the now 18 ESA Member States and Canada meet to define the role of space in delivering Europe's global objectives

Ministerial conference: Interview with ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain

Since the very first satellites carrying scientific instruments were launched, our understanding of the cosmos has improved. The Sun is studied to the core and, beyond our star, the Universe is becoming less obscure

ESA Science: past and future

The successful docking of the European Columbus module and the launch of the Automated Transfer Vehicle have opened a new era for Europe’s presence in space with the aspiration to consolidate its independence

ATV docking trials

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