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ESA - Frequently asked questions
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Before emailing us, please browse the Frequently Asked Questions below to see if your query has already been answered."> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@esa"> <script> var _paq = window._paq = window._paq || []; _paq.push(["setDomains", ["*.www.esa.int","*.www.esa.int"]]); _paq.push(["enableCrossDomainLinking"]); _paq.push(['trackPageView']); _paq.push(['enableLinkTracking']); (function() { var u="https://www-analytics.esa.int/"; _paq.push(['setTrackerUrl', u+'matomo.php']); _paq.push(['setSiteId', '46']); var d=document, g=d.createElement('script'), s=d.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; g.type='text/javascript'; g.async=true; g.src=u+'matomo.js'; s.parentNode.insertBefore(g,s);})(); </script> </head> <body> <div class="wrapper popmod"> <div id="cookie_loc"></div> <section id="esa-header" class="esa-header agency"> <div class="esa-header__left"> <button id="esa-menu" class="esa-header__toggle menu-toggle"> <img class="esa-header__icon" src="/extension/pillars/design/pillars/images/ESA_Menu.svg" alt="ESA menu toggle"> </button> <button id="esa-search" class="esa-header__toggle search-toggle"> <img class="esa-header__icon" src="/extension/pillars/design/pillars/images/ESA_Search.svg" alt="ESA search toggle"> </button> <img class="esa-header__title" src="/extension/pillars/design/pillars/images/ESA_Title.svg" alt="ESA title"> </div> <div class="esa-header__right"> <a class="esa-header__link" href="/"> <img class="esa-header__logo" src="/extension/pillars/design/pillars/images/ESA_Logo.svg" alt="ESA logo"> </a> </div> </section> <form class="quick-search" action="/esearch"> <input class="quick-search__field" type="text" name="q" placeholder="Search ESA"> <button class="quick-search__submit" type="submit"><i class="far fa-arrow-right"></i></button> </form> <script> try { iniframe = window.self !== window.top;} catch (e) { iniframe = true;}if (!iniframe) {theme = 'agency'; $.get('/var/esa/storage/menu_overlay.html', for_overlay_menu);}</script> <section id="overlay-menu"></section> <script> $.post( '/ezjscore/call', "ezjscServer_function_arguments=esaux::viewsincr::253683", function(data) { $(document).ready(function() { $('#viewcount').text(data) }) }) </script> <article class="article agency"> <header class="entry article__block"> <span class="pillar article__item">Agency</span> <h1 class="heading heading--main article__item">Frequently asked questions</h1> <div class="meta article__item"> <span><span id="viewcount">417532</span><small> views</small></span> <span><span id="ezsr_total_11262851">426</span><small> likes</small></span> </div> </header> <div class="breadcrumbs article__block article__item"> <a class="breadcrumbs__entry" href="/">ESA</a> / <a class="breadcrumbs__entry" href="/Services">Services</a></div> <div class="abstract article__block article__item"> <p>Thank you for your interest in ESA. We welcome all questions and comments. However, due to the large volume of emails received, we cannot respond to every question or provide research assistance. Before emailing us, please browse the Frequently Asked Questions below to see if your query has already been answered.</p> </div> <div class="article__block"> <h2 class="heading">Careers and training</h2> <p>For all your questions related to careers at ESA, please see our dedicated <a href="/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Frequently_asked_questions2" title="Frequently asked questions">Careers FAQ page</a>.</p> </div> <div class="article__block"> <h2 class="heading">Science and exploration</h2> <p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S1">What is space science?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S2">Why does ESA do space science?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S3">What is the ESA Science Programme for?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S4">Where does ESA space science happen?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S5">Where can I find technical information/images about ESA's scientific satellites?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S6">Why do the Earth and other planets orbit around the Sun?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S7">Does the Sun itself spin? If so, how fast?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S8">How would we know if a distant planet had an Earth-like atmosphere?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S9">Why can't we get pictures of planets outside the Solar System?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S11">There's a vacuum in space, so how do we know if the Sun makes a noise?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S14">What is a comet tail made of?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S15">Do you have to wear safety goggles to observe the Sun?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S18">Is there really a face on Mars?</a></p><p><a href="https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/ESA_Astronaut_Selection/Astronaut_selection_2021-22_FAQs">How can I become an astronaut?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration">How can I get information/photos of the ESA astronauts?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/International_Space_Station/Where_is_the_International_Space_Station_now">Can I see the ISS from my hometown?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S21">Do you think it will be feasible to send people to Mars in the short-term?</a></p> </div> <div class="article__block"> <h2 class="heading">Space safety and security</h2> <p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S17">What is ‘space weather’?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S13">Do sunspots affect the climate here on Earth?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S12">How big are the largest sunspot groups?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S16">Do rocket launches harm the ozone layer?</a></p><p><a href="/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Frequently_asked_questions#S10">What are the risks of nuclear power sources for space probes?</a></p> </div> <div class="article__block"> <h2 class="heading">Applications</h2> <p><a href="/Applications/Satellite_navigation/Galileo/What_is_Galileo">What is Galileo?</a></p><p><a href="/Applications/Satellite_navigation/Galileo/Why_Europe_needs_Galileo">Why does Europe need Galileo?</a></p><p><a href="/Applications/Satellite_navigation/Galileo/Who_s_involved_in_Galileo">Who's involved in Galileo?</a></p><p><a href="/Applications/Satellite_navigation/Galileo/Market_prospects_and_business_opportunities">What are the market prospects and business opportunities related to Galileo?</a></p><p><a href="https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/galileo_world_paper_Dec_2000.pdf">Where can I find a technical overview of the Galileo navigation system?</a></p><p><a href="/Applications/Satellite_navigation/Who_benefits_some_practical_applications">Who will benefit from Galileo?</a></p><p><a href="/Applications/Satellite_navigation/EGNOS/What_is_EGNOS">What is EGNOS?</a></p><p><a href="/Applications/Satellite_navigation/EGNOS/How_does_EGNOS_work">How does EGNOS work?</a></p><p><a href="/Applications/Satellite_navigation/EGNOS/Who_s_involved_in_EGNOS">Who's involved in EGNOS?</a></p><p><a href="/Applications/Satellite_navigation/EGNOS/Who_benefits_from_EGNOS">Who benefits from EGNOS?</a></p><p><a href="/Applications/Satellite_navigation/EGNOS/Interoperability">Will the Galileo navigation system be compatible with the American GPS?</a></p><p><a href="/Services/FAQs#05">Where can I find technical information/images regarding Earth Observation satellites?</a></p> </div> <div class="article__block"> <h2 class="heading">Doing business with ESA</h2> <p><a href="/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/How_to_do/How_to_do_business_with_ESA2">Can my company work for ESA?</a></p><p><a href="/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/How_to_do/How_to_participate_in_ESA_procurements">How to participate in ESA procurements?</a></p><p><a href="/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/How_to_do/ESA_s_invitation_to_tender_system_EMITS_is_replaced_by_esa-star">How do I get information concerning the ESA procurement and contracts?</a></p><p><a href="/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Space_Related_Standards2">How do I get information about standards to be used in space projects (materials, software, etc.)?</a></p> </div> <div class="article__block"> <h2 class="heading">Enabling and support</h2> <p><a href="/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/How_does_an_Ariane_5_launch_work">How do launchers work?</a></p><p><a href="/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation">When is the next launch?</a></p><p><a href="/Services/FAQs#02">Why is ESA's launcher called Ariane?</a></p><p><a href="http://www.esa.int/Newsroom/Launch_schedule_2019" title="Where can I find out about upcoming launches?">Where can I find out about upcoming launches?</a></p><p><a href="/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Types_of_orbits">What's the difference between a geostationary orbit and a low Earth orbit?</a></p><p><a href="/Services/FAQs#03">Is it possible to visit ESA's Spaceport in Kourou and see a launch?</a></p> </div> <div class="article__block"> <h2 class="heading">Using the ESA logo and branding</h2> <p><a href="/About_Us/Branding_and_Partnerships/Frequently_asked_questions#BP1">Where can I find ESA logo and branding?</a></p><p><a href="/About_Us/Branding_and_Partnerships/Frequently_asked_questions#BP2">Can I use ESA logo?</a></p><p><a href="/About_Us/Branding_and_Partnerships/Frequently_asked_questions#BP3">What are ESA brand values?</a></p><p><a href="/About_Us/Branding_and_Partnerships/Frequently_asked_questions#BP4">What is the colour of the ESA logo?</a></p><p><a href="/About_Us/Branding_and_Partnerships/Frequently_asked_questions#BP5">Where can I find the ESA astronaut "flags" patch?</a></p><p><a href="/About_Us/Branding_and_Partnerships/Frequently_asked_questions#BP6">Where can I find ESA mission patches?</a></p> </div> <div class="article__block"> <h2 class="heading">Images</h2> <p><a href="/Services/FAQs#04">I want to use ESA photos/material. How should I proceed with the copyright issue?</a></p><p><a href="/Services/FAQs#13">I need some information about ESA images. Who can I contact?</a></p> </div> <div class="article__block"> <h2 class="heading">Publications</h2> <p><a href="/About_Us/ESA_Publications">Where can I find and download ESA publications?</a></p><p><a href="/About_Us/ESA_Publications">Where can I find out about past ESA projects?</a></p> </div> <div class="article__block"> <h2 class="heading">Media</h2> <p><a href="/Services/FAQs#07">I am a registered member of the media. How can I contact an ESA spokesperson?</a></p><p><a href="/Services/FAQs#08">I would like information about upcoming events/conferences. Where can I look?</a></p><p> </p><a name="eztoc11262838_0_0_1" id="eztoc11262838_0_0_1"></a><h4><b>ESA visits </b></h4><p><a href="/Services/FAQs#08">Can I visit ESA establishments?</a></p> </div> <div class="share button-group article__block article__item"> <button id="ezsr_11262851_36_5" class="btn ezsr-star-rating-enabled" title="Like">Like</button> <p id="ezsr_just_rated_11262851" class="ezsr-just-rated hide">Thank you for liking</p> <p id="ezsr_has_rated_11262851" class="ezsr-has-rated hide">You have already liked this page, you can only like it once!</p> <div class="a2a_kit a2a_kit_size_32 a2a_default_style"> <a class="a2a_button_x"></a> <a class="a2a_button_facebook"></a> <a class="a2a_button_copy_link"></a> <a class="a2a_dd" href=https://www.addtoany.com/share></a> </div> </div> </article> <section id="footer"> <span class="footer__signature">European Space Agency</span> <div class="footer-nav"> <a href="/Services/Frequently_asked_questions">FAQ</a> <a href="/Services/Contacts">Contacts</a> <a href="/Services/Terms_and_conditions">Terms and conditions</a> <a href="/Services/Privacy_notice">Privacy notice</a> <a href="/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA">Careers at ESA</a> <a href="/Services/Email_updates">Subscribe </a> </div> <div class="social-media-links"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/ESA" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-youtube"></i></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/esa" target="_blank"><i class="fa-brands fa-x-twitter"></i></a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanSpaceAgency" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-facebook-f"></i></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/europeanspaceagency/" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-instagram"></i></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-space-agency/" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-linkedin-in"></i></a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/EuropeanSpaceAgency/" target="_blank"><i class="fab fa-pinterest"></i></a> </div> </section> <section id="popup-modal"></section></div> <script> if (jQuery.cookie('cc_cookie_accept') == "cc_cookie_accept") { var s = document.createElement("script"); s.src = "https://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js"; document.body.appendChild(s); }</script> <!-- normalize.css,flexslider.css,fonts.css,main.css,header.css,components.css,article.css,modal.css,cookiecuttr.css,ie.css --> </body> </html>