What happens here
ESTEC develops and manages ESA missions across science, exploration, telecommunications, human spaceflight, satellite navigation and Earth observation. It provides the management and technical expertise needed to start and run the development of space systems and technologies.
It also runs an environmental test centre for spacecraft, supported by engineering laboratories, described on Shake, noise, vacuum.
Working with others
ESTEC supports European industry and works with universities, research institutes, national agencies and other space agencies around the world.
Sources
Sources checked on: 1 November 2026