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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A view from the International Space Station of Earth taken by ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst during his six-month Blue Dot mission.
In the foreground is the Soyuz spacecraft that brought Alexander and his crewmates NASA Reid Wiseman and Roscosmos cosmonaut Maxim Suarev to the Station.
Travelling at speeds of 28 800 km/h 400 km high, the Station takes only 90 minutes to do a complete orbit of Earth, giving astronauts 16 sunsets and sunrises each day – in addition to the beautiful views.