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We’re heading to the #IAC2026 🔴 Watch live on Monday: ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher in the plenary “Why Does the World Need More Space?” 📅 4 October at 10:00 CEST ▶️ Watch on ESA Web TV 🔗 esa.int/About_Us/Corporate_news/ESA_at_the_77th_International_Astronautical_Congress

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 01/10/2026

A busy few months for ESA! Catch up with the latest ESA Impact visual report, featuring the launch of FLEX and Sentinel-3C, three spacewalks in 15 days, new milestones on BepiColombo's journey to Mercury and more. 🔗 esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/p...

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 30/09/2026

Smile will study how Earth responds to the solar wind, helping us better understand space weather. Read more: esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Smile/Science_begins_for_Smile

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 30/09/2026

Our Smile mission is ready for science. Its ultraviolet camera has already captured this substorm rippling through the northern lights around Earth’s North Pole. @science.esa.int 🧪🔭

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 30/09/2026

🔴 Live now: ESA Director General @josefaschbacher.esa.int Live at the Euronews Defence & Space Summit in Brussels. watch.esa.int/two/

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 30/09/2026

A glimpse of Europe's future in low Earth orbit. We've selected two European industrial teams to study the feasibility of a future European-led orbital outpost, exploring how Europe could strengthen its role in low Earth orbit in the post-ISS

Artist's impression of a potential European-led orbital station

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 29/09/2026

A little help from Earth 🌍 On 28 September, our Juice spacecraft flew by Earth, using our planet’s gravity to adjust its course towards Jupiter, increasing its speed by 3.5 km/s while using very little fuel. Next up: another Earth flyby in 2029, before Jupiter in 2031. 🔗 esa.int/Science_Expl...

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 23/09/2026

We’re strengthening our cooperation with Mistral on artificial intelligence. Together, we’ll explore secure and trusted European AI solutions for Earth observation, engineering and the next generation of space activities.

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 23/09/2026

We are providing an additional €2.7 million to support Rocket Factory Augsburg as it prepares for the first RFA One test flight from SaxaVord Spaceport in the UK. 🚀 Through our Boost! programme, we’re supporting further testing and launch infrastructure ahead of RFA One’s first flight.

Nine engines on first Rocket Factory Augsburg launch vehicle

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 22/09/2026

We will be at the #IAC2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, from 5–9 October. Journalists planning to attend can now register for press accreditation. 🔗 esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/Media_Advisory_ESA_at_the_International_Astronautical_Congress_IAC_in_Antalya_Tuerkiye

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 21/09/2026

ESA and ISRO are extending and broadening their cooperation for another five years, opening new opportunities to work together on space weather, exploration and space sustainability. 🇮🇳 🔗 esa.int/About_Us/Corporate_news/ESA_and_ISRO_extend_and_broaden_cooperation_agreement

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 21/09/2026

Pokémon is heading to space with ESA. 🚀⚡ For #WorldSpaceWeek2026, Pokémon and ESA are teaming up to inspire the next generation of explorers. A special Pikachu plush has even travelled to the International Space Station with ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot! (Credits: ESA/NASA S. Adenot)

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 20/09/2026

Thanks for an incredible #ESAOpenDays2026, Paris! Our Headquarters opened its doors this weekend to share a glimpse of ESA, our people and Europe’s future in space. Here are some highlights 👇

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 18/09/2026

📢 Journalists are invited to our ESTEC Open Day in Noordwijk, in the Netherlands, on 27 September. @technology.esa.int

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 17/09/2026

Nearly 80 companies are joining the next evolution of IRIS² through our Low-LEO activities, exploring future secure connectivity services and mission concepts for Europe. 🇪🇺🛰️ @esaconnectivity.esa.int

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 16/09/2026

Mars isn't always red. 💜 New images from Mars Express reveal striking purple swirls near the planet's south pole. 🔗 esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Purple_swirls_on_the_Red_Planet @science.esa.int

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 15/09/2026

A look back at today's Vega-C launch. 👀 FLEX and Sentinel-3C are now safely in orbit, ready to begin their missions to study Earth's vegetation and monitor our changing planet. 🌍🛰️ Credit: ESA – S. Corvaja, M. Pedoussaut

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 15/09/2026

✅ Signals acquired. FLEX and Sentinel-3C are in orbit and healthy. 🔗 www.esa.int/Newsroom/Pre...

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 15/09/2026

Liftoff! 🚀 FLEX and Sentinel-3C are on their way. Vega-C #VV30 has departed Europe’s Spaceport carrying the two Earth observation satellites into orbit. @esaearth.esa.int @transport.esa.int @operations.esa.int

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 14/09/2026

Earth's orbital environment is a finite resource. Our latest Space Environment Report shows the long-term impact of our activities in space worsened by an order of magnitude in just one year. The time to tackle space debris is now. Read more: www.esa.int/Space_Safety... @operations.esa.int

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 14/09/2026

FLEX and Sentinel-3C are ready for liftoff on Vega-C from Europe's Spaceport. ▶️ Tune in tonight from 02:50 CEST. 🚀 Liftoff is scheduled for 03:21 CEST. 🔗esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FLEX_and_Sentinel-3C_ready_for_liftoff_on_Vega-C

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 07/09/2026

ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher will present a pathway for Europe's future in space exploration and invite leaders to reflect on the role Europe wants to play in the next era of space, from low Earth orbit and the Moon to Mars.

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 04/09/2026

Got an idea for a human research experiment in Antarctica? 🧠❄️ Research at Concordia Station helps prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars. Submit your biomedical or psychological research proposal by 2 Nov 👉 ideas.esa.int/core/servlet... @exploration.esa.int

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 04/09/2026

Recent #ExoMars tests successfully demonstrated landing leg deployment and backshell separation, key milestones on the path to a safe touchdown for the Rosalind Franklin rover on Mars in 2030. 🔴 🔗 esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Exploration/ExoMars

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 03/09/2026

Mercury Transfer Module separation confirmed! 📡 ✅ Signal acquired via our Cebreros deep-space antenna confirms the spacecraft is healthy and operating as expected. The MPO and Mio spacecrafts are now on their way to Mercury orbit insertion on 21 November. Farewell, MTM. Mercury awaits. ☀️🛰️

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 02/09/2026

A look back at Sophie Adenot's third spacewalk. Together with NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, Sophie successfully completed US EVA-99, spending 6 hours 49 minutes outside the International Space Station. 📽 Video courtesy of sen.com

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 01/09/2026

Some words and good vibes from ESA's Sophie Adenot on returning inside the International Space Station after her third spacewalk. Reflecting on the view from her workspace today, "...the Earth was really beautiful. And it makes us feel even more human and wanting to take care of our home planet."

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 01/09/2026

Spacewalk complete ✅ That's six hours and 49 minutes outside the International Space Station for ESA's Sophie Adenot and NASA's Jessica Meir. With today's EVA, Sophie completes her third spacewalk, with a total of 19 hours and 42 minutes spacewalking time.

View of Earth from above as seen from the International Space Station from a helmet cam during a spacewalk. Parts of the space station are seen left and right.

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 01/09/2026

August was a busy month for us 🌘👩‍🚀🚀🔴 Here's your monthly roundup from the European Space Agency. 🔗esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2026/08/What_happened_this_month_at_the_European_Space_Agency_August_2026

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 31/08/2026

On 27 September, ESTEC opens its doors for Open Day 2026 in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. Explore labs, test facilities and more. 🎟️ Free tickets, limited availability. Register now: esa.int/About_Us/ESA_Open_Days/ESA_Open_Days_2026/ESTEC_Open_Days_2026/Register_now_ESTEC_Open_Day_2026

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 31/08/2026

Join us live from our Main Control Room on 3 September as mission controllers oversee #BepiColombo's first critical step towards orbiting Mercury: the separation of its Mercury Transfer Module (MTM). ▶️ Livestream starts at 13:45 CEST youtube.com/live/oC7lQngNG3o

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 31/08/2026

Spacewalk #3 for Sophie Adenot! 👩‍🚀 On 1 September, Sophie Adenot and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir will venture outside the International Space Station to perform key maintenance and upgrade tasks. Tune in live tomorrow from 13:00 CEST. @exploration.esa.int

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 28/08/2026

Media invitation 📢 Ahead of our #FLEX mission and #Copernicus Sentinel-3C launch, media are invited to join our online briefings on 4 September in English, French, German and Italian. @esaearth.esa.int

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 27/08/2026

Success! ✅ MTG-I2 is on its way to geostationary orbit. After acquiring signal, the satellite has been confirmed healthy. 🔗 esa.int/Newsroom/Press_Releases/MTG-I2_completes_Europe_s_latest_weather_trio

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 27/08/2026

LIFTOFF! 🚀 Ariane 6 #VA270, launching MTG-I2, completing Europe's Meteosat constellation.

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 27/08/2026

Don't forget to join us later today to watch the MTG-I2 launch! ▶️ youtube.com/watch?v=vzytcrGSqUU 📺 Livestream starts at 21:42 CEST. 🚀 Liftoff is planned for 22:10 CEST from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana on an Ariane 6 rocket equipped with two P120C boosters. Credits: ESA - S. Corvaja

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 27/08/2026

A new chapter for European launchers 🚀 We have signed the first European Launcher Challenge contracts, helping emerging launch providers scale up their capabilities and expand Europe’s access to space.

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 25/08/2026

Spacewalk complete ✅ After six and a half hours outside the International Space Station, our astronaut Sophie Adenot is safely back inside. With today's EVA, Sophie completes her second spacewalk alongside NASA astronaut Anil Menon. A true demonstration of teamwork in orbit.

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 25/08/2026

Spectacular views of Sophie Adenot outside the ISS as she completes her second spacewalk alongside NASA astronaut Anil Menon.

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 25/08/2026

A front-row seat to satellite reentry. 🛰️ ESA scientists will fly out on two airborne observation campaigns over the Pacific Ocean to capture the targeted reentries of our final Cluster satellites, Samba and Tango.

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 24/08/2026

Next stop, Mercury. After an eight-year journey, ESA/JAXA's BepiColombo is nearing arrival at its destination. Explore the key milestones, timeline and science behind the mission in our new media kit: esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/BepiColombo/BepiColombo_arrival_media_kit

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 21/08/2026

After a first spacewalk earlier this week, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot is preparing to head back outside the International Space Station on 25 August to install a replacement communications antenna. Coverage start at 12:00 BST / 13:00 CEST Watch live 👉 youtube.com/live/Ejck4v8wTOk

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 18/08/2026

Spacewalk complete. ✅ After 6 hours and 23 minutes outside the International Space Station, Sophie Adenot is safely back inside. With today's EVA, Sophie becomes the first French woman to perform a spacewalk. 🇫🇷 @exploration.esa.int

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 18/08/2026

🔴 Spacewalk in progress. ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and NASA astronaut Anil Menon are outside the International Space Station. 📺 Follow the EVA live www.youtube.com/live/xgx9mTZ... 🎵Enjoy this soothing ambient playlist for watching astronauts work among the stars open.spotify.com/playlist/02P...

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 17/08/2026

📸 This was our #WeekInImages 10-14 August 2026. www.esa.int/About_Us/Wee...

An eclipsed Sun low in the sky over some fields.

ESA astronauts Sophie Adenot and NASA's Jessica Meir pose for a portrait inside the International Space Station’s Quest airlock. Adenot was trying on a spacesuit to verify its comfort, mobility, and functionality with assistance from Meir.

False-colour image of southern Norway created using Sentinel-2’s near-infrared channel. This shows vegetation in red, water bodies in dark blue and black and built-up areas in tones of grey.

The Meteosat Third Generation-Imager2 (MTG-I2) satellite has begun its five-day process to load its tanks with propellant. Personnel are seen working around the spacecraft in white protective suits.

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 17/08/2026

Live tomorrow: ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot's first spacewalk to replace a crucial piece of equipment on the ISS. Watch from 12:00 BST / 13:00 CEST on ESA WebTV and YouTube. 🔗 esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Watch_Sophie_Adenot_s_spacewalk_live @exploration.esa.int 🧪🔭

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 12/08/2026

🤔What is a total solar eclipse? 🔜A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth. The Moon blocks light from the Sun and casts a shadow on Earth. Find out more www.esa.int/Science_Expl... #EuropeanSolarEclipse

Diagram showing how a total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting its shadow onto Earth.

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 12/08/2026

Eclipse day! ☀️ Today's total solar eclipse is visible from Greenland, Iceland, northeastern Portugal and Spain. Most of the rest of Europe, northern North America and western Africa will witness a partial solar eclipse. More info: www.esa.int/Science_Expl... #EuropeanSolarEclipse

Map of Earth shown as a globe, with the focus on its northern hemisphere. A red, C-shaped arc marked 'total eclipse' reaches from northeast Russia, past the North Pole, Greenland, Iceland and the Iberian Peninsula. An orange oval surrounds this arc, marked 'partial eclipse', covering most of Europe, Canada and parts of the USA, the western edge of Africa and the northeastern corner of Russia.

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 11/08/2026

Join us on Wednesday for live coverage of the total solar eclipse! Live from Javalambre, Spain, from 19:30 CEST with: 🎤 interviews 📹 explainers 🔭 telescope feeds 🚁 drone shots 🔴 live feeds from different locations Details: www.esa.int/Science_Expl... #EuropeanSolarEclipse

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European Space Agency @esa.int · 10/08/2026

🆕 This NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope image shows planetary nebula NGC 2392, nicknamed the 'Lion Nebula'. This near- and mid-infrared composite image reveals the complex structure of the nebula 🧪🔭 esawebb.org/images/weic2... @science.esa.int @stsci.edu

$Planetary nebula NGC 2392, also called the Lion Nebula, against the black background of space. The nebula is in the centre, circular in shape, and looks like a male lion’s head. In the very centre is a small, pinkish-white circle with eight-point diffraction spikes, a white dwarf star. Surrounding the star are light purple-pink cavernous bubbles and shell-like rings. The bubbles and shells collectively form an oval with two small, wide arcs near the top, reminiscent of a lion’s face and its ears. What appears to be extended outward from the lion’s face is a thick ring of purple-blue material. The width of the ring is consistent throughout and resembles a mane. The area closest to the lion’s face looks cloudy, while the edges of the mane look like there are clumps of dust with comet-like tails and strands. In the background are distant galaxies and stars. Some galaxies appear as small yellow and orange points of light and others with visible spiral structures. A couple of the stars have diffraction spikes.$

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