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 front gates of ESA’s technical heart in the Netherlands, set to be thrown open to the European public on Sunday 2 October.
In place for more than half a century, the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk on the North Sea coast is ESA’s largest establishment, focused on developing technology, planning missions and testing satellites.
A full-scale model of the ERS-1 Earth-observing satellite, launched in 1991, is placed to the right.
October’s annual ESTEC Open Day will be your chance to explore the sprawling facility, meet astronauts, scientists and mission designers and see special exhibits and actual space hardware.
This annual event takes place as part of the Netherlands’ national Weekend of Science, as well as World Space Week.
All visitors must book to gain entry on the Open Day. To register, click here.