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 topicSTS-107 mission patch.
The central element of the crew designed STS-107 mission patch is the microgravity symbol (mg) which flows into the astronaut symbol.
The sunrise symbolises the dawn of a new era of research and the constellation of Columba (the dove), with its seven stars representing the crew, was chosen to symbolise peace on Earth and the Space Shuttle Columbia.
The flag of Israel is included to mark the first flight of an Israeli astronaut.