The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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The Beagle 2 lander is ejected from the orbiter. Mars Express will be the first flexible mission in the revised ESA long-term scientific programme and is planned to be launched towards Mars in June 2003 with a Soyuz/Fregat launcher. The spacecraft will carry a remote observation payload, as well as a lander communications package to support Mars lander mission from 2003 to 2007.