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
Go to topicIn mythology Andromeda, the daugher of Cassiopeia and Cepheus, was tied to a rock by her parents as a sacrifice in order to placate the sea monster sent by Neptune. Perseus, passing by on his return from his mission to decapitate Medusa, was struck by Andromeda's beauty and her terrible plight, and killed the sea monster to save her. With the blessing of her parents, Andromeda and Perseus then married and had six children.
Andromeda is also the name of a large constellation in the northern hemisphere. The most famous object in the constellation is the Andromeda Galaxy.