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 topicGolubkina crater on Venus is 34 kilometres in diameter. Studying the number and size of craters on Venus proves that the surface of the planet is only 500 million years old. Scientists believe that some kind of volcanic catastrophe, 500 million years ago, spilled molten lava across the entire surface of the planet destroying all the older craters.