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 topicArianespace team members conduct a test of the fueling loop in preparation for loading hydrazine propellant into the spacecraft. European Spaceport in French Guiana, 30 July 2003. SMART-1's attitude control system attitude and orbit control system uses eight hydrazine thrusters. After its launch by Ariane 5, SMART-1 will be placed in a polar lunar orbit between 300 km. and 10,000 km. in altitude. European Spaceport in French Guiana, 30 July 2003.