Exploring the Solar System

To understand how the Solar System works and why Earth is unique, ESA has developed a series of ambitious science missions. Solar Orbiter is now enroute to delivering the first views of the Sun’s poles and BepiColombo will soon arrive at mysterious planet Mercury.

In the near future, new missions will provide unique scientific results for researchers. EnVision will study Venus, helping determine how and why it evolved so differently from Earth, and the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer will study the giant planet’s ocean-bearing moons, providing insight into the habitability potential of water-worlds beyond Earth. Further new exoplanet missions and orbiting observatories will deepen our knowledge of stars and our galaxy.