The Galileo global navigation satellite system has been offering initial services since almost a year and the performances are great. Independent measurements and evaluation of the system show that the European system is currently the best satellite positioning system in the world.
On 12 December, an Ariane 5 will launch from Kourou with 4 new Galileo satellites, adding to the constellation which is set to be completed next year.
ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli launched to the International Space Station on 28 July for the Vita mission. Vita stands for Vitality, Innovation, Technology and Ability and was chosen by Italy’s ASI space agency, which is providing the mission through a barter agreement with NASA.
Sentinel-5 Precursor – also known as Sentinel-5P – is the first Copernicus mission dedicated to monitoring Earth's atmosphere. Sentinel-5P is set for launch on 13 October 2017.
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Novespace, subsidiary of CNES, offered a weightless experience to 8 disable kids, with the help of the association organizing the “Rêves de Gosse” (Kids’ dreams)...
Rosetta has made the most detailed study of a comet ever. It followed Comet 67P on its journey through the inner Solar System, measuring the increase in activity as the icy surface is warmed up by the Sun. Philae, a small lander, was released onto the surface in November 2014. Rosetta followed to the comet surface on 30 September 2016.