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 topicA full-size model of the Huygens Probe was carried to 37.5 km altitude in May 1995 by a stratospheric balloon over Kiruna, Sweden and released to test the parachute systems. The slide shows the Probe/balloon combination soon after beginning ascent. See also the slide 'On Swedish snow'.