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 22 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
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The SMART-1 spacecraft left ESTEC via the East Gate on 16 July 2003, on an extra-wide transporter, en route for ESA's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
SMART-1 will be testing new technologies for planetary missions and is scheduled for launch with an Ariane 5 in the night of 28/29 August.