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's 4.4t Eureca (European Retrievable Carrier) was released from Space Shuttle Atlantis during mission STS-46 on 2 August 1992 carrying 15 microgravity, space science and technology experiments. Eureca's own hydrazine propulsion system raised the orbit to 508 km, and full operations began. The mission was rated as highly successful. Eureca was retrieved by Shuttle mission STS-57 on 24 June 1993. [Image Date: 02-08-92] [92.10.011-010]