SpaceRef - Government and Politics - International

SpaceRef - Government and Politics - International - ESA

ESA European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) - ESTEC, located in Noordwijk, Holland, is ESA's technology institute focusing on science, earth observation, manned spaceflight and microgravity, telecommunications, and space launchers.

ESA Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station (VILSPA) - VILSPA lies in the Guadarrama Valley, 30 km. West of Madrid VILSPA is part of the worldwide European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) Station Network (ESTRACK).

European Space Agency (ESA) - ESA currently has 14 member states -Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Canada takes part in some projects under a cooperation agreement.

European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) - ESOC is located in Darmstadt, Germany. It plans missions, operate ESA's satellites, and ensures that spacecraft meet their mission objectives. ESOC also maintains an extensive global network of ground stations (antennas) and their supporting communication systems.