A Snapshot of Our Dynamic Planet: ESA's Weekly Space Highlights

By Space.Fan Editorial DeskOctober 2, 2026 at 1:10 PM UTC

From 3D-printed thrusters in orbit to capturing the power of a typhoon, ESA showcases the latest views from above.

Image · ESA

The Drop

The European Space Agency has shared a new collection of images showing how technology helps us monitor Earth. One striking view comes from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite, which used radar to see through thick clouds. It captured the ocean's surface during Typhoon Surigae, revealing how strong winds change the appearance of the sea from high above. This helps scientists track dangerous weather more accurately. Other highlights show how space exploration is changing. For instance, engineers have successfully 3D-printed tiny engine parts directly in space. This is a big step because it means astronauts could one day fix their own gear without needing new supplies from Earth. Scientists also shared the first ultraviolet image from the Smile mission, which is designed to study how the Sun interacts with our 's magnetic field to create light shows known as auroras. These tools provide a better look at our world than ever before.

Why It Matters

These tools are essential for keeping people safe and protecting our environment. Radar satellites like the ones used in the Copernicus program allow us to see through storms, which is vital for monitoring natural disasters like typhoons. By tracking these patterns, experts can provide better warnings. Additionally, printing parts in space makes long-distance travel safer and more affordable by reducing the weight of cargo ships.

Aurora Tonight

Live NOAA outlook

Fair aurora activity

Best odds in Alaska, northern Canada, and far-northern Europe

Aurora activity40%

Peak Kp tonight: 4.7NOAA nowcast max: 12%Source: NOAA SWPC

Aurora forecasts are probabilistic. Darkness, clouds, local light pollution, and rapidly changing solar-wind conditions affect what you can actually see.

The Catch

While these images and technical tests show great progress, they represent specific moments or small-scale trials. For example, while 3D printing in space works for tiny parts, we are still learning how to build larger, more complex tools in the harsh environment outside our atmosphere. These results are promising but are still part of ongoing developmental testing.

Put That in Perspective

Space missions have evolved from just taking pictures to actively managing the tools we need to survive in orbit. Next, researchers will continue to test how these 3D-printed parts hold up over time and look for ways to improve the image quality of our monitoring satellites.

Source October 2, 2026

European Space Agency