ESA Bulltin, No.135, August 2008

The cover story of this issue of ESA Bulletin, is about Venus Express.

In 'Celebrating the Accomplishment, Preparing the Future', ESA's Director of Human Spaceflight, Simonetta Di Pippo, reflects on recent successes and looks ahead to the new challenges for Europe in human spaceflight and exploration.

The Bulletin also has articles about the European launcher tracking network, space tourism and ESA's Vega small launcher as it readies for its Qualification Flight.

The Bulletin also goes back to school and college with ESA's hands-on education activities for youngsters across Europe. In the news section, we report on Ulysses, Rosetta, ATV and ESA's latest astronaut recruitment campaign, also taking a look at the history of European astronaut selection.

The Bulletin is published four times a year to inform the space-interested public of ESA's activities. In addition to a wide range of articles, every issue provides an overview of the status of ESA's major space projects.

• Primary Source

ESA Bulletin, No.135, August 2008 http://www.esa.int/About_Us/ESA_Publications/ESA_i_Bulletin_i_135_August_2008

ESA: Venus Express http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/area/index.cfm?fareaid=64

ESA: Vega http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Launch_vehicles/Vega

---