Discovery
A diversity of topics is investigated via Discovery undertakings together with our industrial and academic partners, running across the entire spectrum of the ESA's activities. The spectrum of activities covers all from "blue sky" research, to studies to early technology developments.
Discovery activities, form part of ESA’s Basic Activities. Working with and across all ESA programmes, from human spaceflight to Earth observation, Discovery lays the groundwork for ESA’s short- to medium-term future activities.
By supporting exploratory research into new concepts, Discovery finds new ways of exploring space, supporting the evolution of ESA and contributing to the overall ESA strategy. And through Discovery activities, new technology, applications and working methods are investigated and tested across all areas of ESA.
From exploring how to reduce plastic in the oceans and enable autonomous shipping, to investigating how to create a space internet and help astronauts prepare for life in space, Discovery is advancing all areas of space research.
These investigations are carried out by experts within industry and academia, who provide new views on old problems as well as investigate on the edge of our knowledge . The activities also seek the perspectives and motivations of industry by organising workshops, visits and interviews.
Most final deliverables from past Discovery activities can be found under nebula.esa.int