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 International Space Station as it will appear on completion of assembly in 2003. With a total mass of about 400 tonnes, habitable volume of 1300 cubic metres and length of 108 metres, it will accommodate a permanent crew of 6-7 in six laboratories (including ESA's Columbus Laboratory). ESA will also contribute the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV, docked at the right to Russia's Service Module), launched on its large Ariane-5 to deliver up to 9 tonnes of cargo each time. ATV's engines will also reboost the ISS to combat orbital decay. Other European contributions include connecting Nodes, the European Robotic Arm (ERA), and the Data Management System for the Russian Service Module. Status [Image Date: 1998/07] [98.09.019-001]