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 topicThe Russian booster rocket Proton, with the 24-ton Zarya (Sunrise) control and cargo module atop, is transported to a launch pad at the Baikonur rocket base in Kazakstan, Monday, Nov. 16, 1998. After months of delays, the first component of a multibillion dollar international space station was placed on the launch pad in preparation for liftoff. The Zarya module was scheduled to lift off from the Baikonur rocket base in Kazakstan at 9:40 a.m. Moscow time Friday, Nov. 20, 1998, ushering in a new era in international space cooperation.