Berlin, Germany (SPX) Dec 19, 2025
Proba-3 has spent its first year in orbit generating more than 50 artificial solar eclipses, giving scientists sustained access to the inner solar corona that previously could only be studied intermittently during brief total eclipses on Earth. The two-satellite ESA mission is designed to supply the missing observations between the solar disc and the well-studied outer corona, and recent data co

Pasadena CA (SPX) Dec 17, 2025
When the most massive stars reach the ends of their lives, they blow up in spectacular supernova explosions, which seed the universe with heavy elements such as carbon and iron. Another type of explosion - the kilonova - occurs when a pair of dense dead stars, called neutron stars, smash together, forging even heavier elements such as gold and uranium. Such heavy elements are among the basic bui

Week in images: 15-19 December 2025

Discover our week through the lens

ESA Impact 2025 - October-December

Welcome to ESA Impact, your interactive gateway to the most captivating stories and stunning visuals from the European Space Agency, now in a mobile-friendly format.

On 14 January 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) will hold an online post-CM25 industry event for all ESA industrial partners.

Video: 00:05:30

On 17 December 2025, two new Galileo satellites lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. This was the 14th launch for Europe’s satellite navigation operational satellite programme, reinforcing Europe’s resilience and autonomy. The flight, VA266, was the first launch of Galileo satellites on Europe’s newest heavy-lift launcher Ariane 6. 

The satellites, designated SAT 33 and SAT 34, separated from the launcher after a flight of just under four hours. The launch was declared successful after acquisition of signal and the confirmation that both satellites are healthy with their solar arrays deployed. 

“With these new satellites, we strengthen Europe’s global navigation

Image: XRISM sees comet 3I/ATLAS in X-ray light