News in English

• The full ExoMars 2022 mission comprising the carrier module, descent module, Kazachok surface platform and Rosalind Franklin rover have completed essential ‘spin tests’ in preparation for their journey to Mars
• Rosalind Franklin’s rover twin on Earth has executed trial science activities for the first time, including drill sample collection and close-up imaging
• A new parachute strategy has been adopted ahead of the next series of high altitude drop tests

Careers at ESA

For the first time, scientists, using satellite data from the Copernicus Sentinel missions, are now able to detect individual methane plumes leaking from natural gas pipelines around the globe.

Why does ESA send missions beyond our Earth? To explore unknown worlds, and better understand our place in the Universe. But that answer only gives part of the picture. The first thing people do when they first reach space is to turn back to see our homeworld. Looking down on our planet from above allows ESA with its global partners to monitor climate, disasters and environmental changes – to work together to protect our home.

And danger comes from above as well as below: a close eye on our stormy Sun is vital to gather early warning of harmful space weather, while keeping an eye out for incoming asteroids. ESA has a responsibility to preserve the space environment into the future, by tackling the problem of orbital debris. Space connects us, powers our economies and improves all our lives, as well fostering innovation and inspiration. So ESA works to care for space, just as we do for Earth and its citizens. 

#SpaceCare #SpaceResponsible #SpaceInAction 

Watch the replay of the briefing to media representatives to learn more about the next spaceflight of ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti.

During the event, Samantha was joined by ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher,  ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration David Parker, and Italian space agency president Giorgio Saccoccia.

Samantha is a member of ESA’s astronaut class of 2009. During her firsission ‘Futura’ in 2014t m–15, she spent 200 days in space, carrying out science and operations on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expeditions 42 and 43. She now looks forward to returning to the ISS, her “home away from home.”

Do you have fresh ideas on how Earth observation data can contribute to monitoring the effects brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, ESA and the European Commission have launched a new series of monthly challenges asking for innovative solutions on how satellite data can be used to help better understand the effects of the coronavirus on society, economy and the environment.

Italian ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti poses in the Cupola module of the International Space Station with two 100-day patches to mark her 200th day in space. She is now set to return to her ‘home away from home’ for even more days in space. 

Samantha first flew to the International Space Station on a Soyuz spacecraft in 2014 for a mission known as ‘Futura’. Her second flight follows the second missions of her fellow 2009 astronaut classmates Alexander Gerst in 2018, Luca Parmitano in 2019 and Thomas Pesquet in 2021. It could also see a direct on-Station handover with Matthias Maurer who is scheduled to fly his first mission to the Space Station later this year. The spacecraft Samantha will fly on is not yet confirmed, but could be a SpaceX Crew Dragon or Boeing CST-100 Starliner.

During Futura, Samantha supported an extensive scientific programme of experiments in physical science, biology and human physiology as well as radiation research and technology demonstrations.

She also oversaw the undocking of ESA’s fifth and final Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV). This marked the end of a successful programme that paved the way for the European Service Modules currently being produced for NASA’s Orion spacecraft that will travel around and to the Moon.

Training for Samantha’s second mission is already underway and has included International Space Station refresher sessions at ESA’s astronaut centre in Cologne, Germany, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

In the coming months, her schedule will intensify as she brushes up on Space Station systems and procedures and trains for the specific experiments and tasks she will perform in space.

More details of Samantha’s second mission will be announced during a virtual press briefing on Wednesday, 3 March, at 11:00 CET. Watch on ESA Web TV here. 

ESA is also in the process of recruiting its next class of astronauts. For more on the upcoming selection visit esa.int/YourWayToSpace.  

As of today, 1 March 2021, ESA has a new Director General: Dr Josef Aschbacher, who has taken up duty at ESA Headquarters in Paris, France.

Week in images: 22 - 26 February 2021

Discover our week through the lens

Register now for ESA’s first-ever virtual teacher conference! Over the course of three days, from 6 to 8 July 2021, ESA Education will bring space into your classroom. Explore space by hearing from space experts; discover inspiring ways to use space as a context to teach STEM in your physical and virtual classrooms; experience demonstrations of our fun classroom activities; and enjoy social space-themed events and more!

Applications are open until 15 June 2021 on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply now!

The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission takes us over Vancouver – the third largest city in Canada.

The ESA-Roscosmos Trace Gas Orbiter has spotted NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, along with its parachute, heat shield and descent stage, in the Jezero Crater region of Mars.

An epic ‘Space Symphony’ composed by Germany’s BigCityBeats is set to add musical goosebumps to the preparations of ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer for his Cosmic Kiss space mission, thanks to a new cooperation with ESA.

Thunder Power RC has announced their new lithium polymer battery packs for air, surface, and receivers. The new product line comes with JST-XH balance connectors, new lower pricing, higher energy density, more stable cell chemistry, and higher sustained voltage over all previous generation chemistry.

Pro Lite+ Power Series (Air)
Thunder Power RC has served the RC LiPo market for a decade, and longer than any other RC battery brand. The all new generation chemistry re-invents the 25C line and comes equipped with JST-XH balance connectors. The Pro Lite+ Power Series LiPos are the smallest by volume, providing higher energy density, more stable cell chemistry, and higher sustained voltage than previous versions.

Lightning Series (Air):
The Lightning Series 55C batteries are designed to blow out the competition. New, lower pricing makes these batteries the best bang for your buck! The Lightning Series 55C comes equipped with JST-XH balance connectors so there is no need for adapters.




Magna Series (Air):
The “greatest” performing batteries culminates with the Magna Series 70C offering JST-XH balance connectors, higher energy density, more stable cell chemistry, and higher sustained voltage over all previous generation chemistry. The Magna Series of batteries delivers the highest power per the capacity and discharge rate available while backed by a 2 year manufacturers warranty to offer the long-lasting value and maximum performance.

Pro RC Series (Surface):
Offering the highest capacities and maximum value for backyard bashers and weekend racers, Pro RC 35C Series batteries are the best choice for maximum run-time while also being a potent threat on the race track in ‘spec’ and ‘stock’ racing classes. All Pro RC Series batteries come with a Deans™ or Traxxas™ connector and JST-XH balance connector. Available in capacities from 2700 to 8000mAh and configurations from 2S 3.7V to 4S 14.8V.

Peak Series (Surface):
For all you Traxxas™ lovers our Peak Series is designed for you! These soft pack batteries are built for your favorite Traxxas™ vehicle and offer the best choice for maximum run-time and performance. The Peak Series come with Traxxas™ connectors and JST-XH balance connectors. Available in capacities from 1400 to 10000mAh and configurations 2S 3.7V and 3S 11.1V.

Velocity Series (Surface):
The world’s fastest LiPo batteries for surface vehicle applications Velocity Series batteries are the most powerful batteries ever made available for pro- and competition-level racing in the hottest ‘mod’ motor classes. Velocity Series chemistry offers the lowest possible internal resistance (IR) – they deliver more power while staying cooler and offering more cycle life and longevity than ever before. All Velocity Series batteries come with a Deans™ or Traxxas™ connector and JST-XH balance connector. Available in capacities from 3300 to 6000mAh and configurations from 1S 3.7V to 4S 14.8V.

Visit RCToys.com to see the full line-up.