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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Since 20 July, the twentieth NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations campaign, or NEEMO 20, is underway. ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano, NASA astronauts Serena Aunon and David Coan and JAXA's Norishige Kanai are living and working in the Aquarius underwater research station off the coast of Florida, USA.
The crew is living and working almost 20 m underwater to test tools and techniques for spacewalks, as they venture outside the base in full scuba gear. By adjusting their buoyancy, the aquanauts can simulate the gravity levels found on the Moon, Mars and asteroids.
Space agencies are always looking for ways to prepare and train for spaceflight without leaving Earth. ESA sends astronauts underground in Sicilian caves and NASA goes underwater. Astronauts from all Space Station partners join to make the experience as realistic as possible – working efficiently and safely with a culturally diverse team is part of the package.
Left to right: NEEMO 20 commander Luca Parmitano (ESA), Serena Aunon (NASA), David Coan (NASA), Norishige Kanai, (JAXA). Inside the Aquarius station: Mark Hulsbeck (FIU) & Sean Moore (FIU)