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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Node-1 ('Unity') in the Space Station Processing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center being prepared for launch aboard the Space Shuttle on 4 December 1998 as the first US element of the International Space Station (ISS). It was attached in-orbit to the 'Zarya Russian-built and -launched first element on 7 December. Unity will serve as a connecting node with other ISS modules, including the US laboratory and habitation modules, via the six hatches. ESA is responsible for providing Nodes-2 and -3. [Image Date: 25-06-97] [98.08.003-001]