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 22 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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Christer Fuglesang and Thomas Reiter - two ESA astronauts reunited in space. This picture was taken shortly after the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery entered the International Space Station at 00:54 CET on 12 December 2006. Swedish ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang arrived as a member of the Shuttle crew, whilst German ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter has been living on the ISS since his arrival with Space Shuttle mission STS-121 in July. Both astronauts will return to Earth with Space Shuttle Discovery, which is due to land at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre on 21 December 2006.