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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European astronaut Frank De Winne, during its training, in October 2001, in Star City facilities.
Frank De Winne has been assigned to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) in October 2002 on a Russian Soyuz launcher. He will be flight engineer on a taxi flight, a 10-day mission with the main purpose of exchanging the Soyuz capsule, which is permanently docked with the Station to serve as a rescue vehicle, if needed.
A substantial scientific experimental programme will also be conducted during the mission, including experiments led by Belgian scientists.