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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ESA astronaut Paolo Nespoli (left) and fellow Expedition 52/53 crew mates Sergey Ryazansky of Roscosmos (centre) and Randy Bresnik of NASA (right) arrived at Baikonur cosmodrome on Sunday, 16 July. With just under two weeks to go to launch, the crew will perform a series of tests and ceremonies.
One pre-flight check is the Sokol space suit fitting. The crew tried on their Sokol suits, worn by every astronaut who launches in a Soyuz vehicle. The suit is designed to keep astronauts safe in the event of depressurisation while in the Soyuz. It is not intended to be worn in any other context.
The crew will launch to the International Space Station on board a Soyuz MS-05 on 28 July from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Read more about Paolo's VITA mission here.