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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Ministers, ambassadors and senior government officials of 11 ESA Member States met their counterparts from the US, Russia, Japan and Canada in Washington DC on 29 January 1998 to sign agreements on the International Space Station (ISS). The 1998 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) on Space Station Cooperation establishes the framework for cooperation among the partners for ISS design, development, operation and utilisation. It defines the rights and obligations of each of the countries and their jurisdiction and control with respect to their ISS elements.
Shown in the photograph [Image Date: 29-01-98] [98.05.001-003]