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 topicOn 18 October 2016, Thales UK opened its Electric Propulsion Integration Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the first of its kind in the UK. It will expand Europe’s all-electric satellite capability as part of ESA’s Neosat programme.
ESA astronaut Tim Peake cut the ribbon at the inauguration event in during his postflight tour of the UK.
Pictured (left to right): Magali Vaissiere, ESA Director of Telecommunications and Integrated Applications, Rt Hon. Arlene Foster, Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Philip McBride, General Manager at Thales Belfast, ESA astronaut Tim Peake, Minister Simon Hamilton, Minister for the Economy, Northern Ireland.