Copernical Team
Sahara whips up a dust storm over Canary islands
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The image from Copernicus Sentinel-3 shows a Saharan dust storm over the Atlantic Ocean, with the Canary Islands visible off the coast of Morocco. European Service Module engines powering Artemis II
When Artemis II carries astronauts beyond Earth orbit for the first time in 50 years, Europe will be providing the power that makes the journey possible. Built by European industry, ESA’s European Service Module is the propulsion heart of the Orion spacecraft, carrying 33 engines that guide, steer and propel the crew safely towards the Moon and back.
Christine Klein takes up duty as acting Director of Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement
Christine Klein took up duty as acting Director of Controlling, Finance and Operational Procurement (D/CFO) at the European Space Agency on 1 April 2026. She will lead the newly established directorate during its consolidation.
Géraldine Naja takes up duty as Director of Space Transportation
Géraldine Naja took up duty as Director of Space Transportation (D/STS) at the European Space Agency on 1 April 2026. She will continue to serve as head of her former directorate, now called the Commercialisation and Industry Partnership directorate (D/CIP), as acting director.
Artemis II's long countdown: A space historian explains why it has taken over 50 years to return to the moon
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Seven missions launched to test optimized data transfer from space
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Why has it taken so long to return to the moon?
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Solar flare prompts close monitoring of space weather ahead of Artemis II launch
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Artemis II: let's go
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The Artemis II rocket at its launchpad at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Watch live: Artemis II launch
The first launch opportunity for Artemis II, the first mission to bring astronauts towards the Moon in over 50 years, is set for 1 April at 18:24 local time (2 April at 00:24 CEST). Tune in from one hour before launch at 22:24 BST / 23:24 CEST on ESA Web TV to watch the launch.