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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Artist's impression of a small lander that may be carried by ESA's Mars Express mission, if approved. Mars Express would be launched towards Mars in June 2003 using a Soyuz/Fregat launcher. The orbiter's seven scientific instruments include a high-resolution camera, a range of spectrometers and a radar to penetrate the martian surface. For the first time in the history of the exploration of the Red Planet, scientists could hope to detect subsurface water, whether it exists in the form of underground rivers, pools, glaciers or permafrost. Signs of life on Mars, whether extinct or alive today, could reveal themselves to instruments on the lander. The orbiter would also carry a communications package to support other international Mars lander missions. [Image Date: 1998] [99.01.004-001]