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
Go to topicCut away artist's view of the Ariane 5 ECA launch vehicle in dual launch configuration carrying a meteorology and communication satellites.
The Ariane 5 ECA, first launched on 12 February 2005, has a payload capacity to geostationary transfer orbit of 10 metric tonnes compared to 6.8 tonnes for the initial Ariane 5G version.