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 topicProba-1 (Project for On Board Autonomy) was launched 22 October 2001 onboard India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. Here the spacecraft is seen mounted on the Indian launcher at the launch site at Shriharikota, a small island 100 km from Madras. ESA is considering several launch options for the second Proba satellite, including Ariane 5 and the new Vega launcher when it becomes operational.