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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The Soyuz 'taxi' crewmembers pose for a group photo in the Zvezda Service Module on the International Space Station (ISS). From the left are Commander Yuri Gidzenko, who was a member of the first resident crew of the ISS; Flight Engineer Roberto Vittori of the European Space Agency (ESA); and South African space flight participant Mark Shuttleworth. The “taxi” crew arrived at the orbital outpost on April 27, 2002 at 2:56 a.m. (CDT) as the two vehicles flew over Central Asia. Gidzenko represents Rosaviakosmos.