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 Council of the European Space Agency met in Brussels at Delegate level on 23-24 June 1998. The Council decided on greater coordination between ESA and the European Union, and approved the first steps towards the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS-2), the Living Planet Programme in Earth Observation, the more powerful Ariane-5 Plus version of Ariane-5, and the Vega small launcher. The meeting was an important milestone in preparing for the next ESA Ministerial Council. It was preceded by a ceremony to mark the 25th Anniversary of the 1973 European Space Conference, which laid the foundations for ESA and its programmes. From left [Image Date: 1998/06] [98.06.012-024]