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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Europe's contributions to the X-38 vehicle are highlighted. The X-38 is the prototype for a Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) for the International Space Station, designed to allow the station's seven crewmembers to reach Earth safely in the event of an emergency. An orbital and reentry test flight of the X-38 from the Space Shuttle is planned for 2001. The operational CRV could be attached to the ISS in 2003, replacing the 3-person Russian Soyuz that will be used once permanent occupation begins in early 2000. [Image Date: 1999] [99.05.006-001]