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 topicThe process of harmonizing and developing a future policy for European space technology was initiated in 2000 in response to the adoption of a Resolution titled ‘Shaping the Future of Europe in Space’ at the ESA Ministerial Council in May 1999. This Resolution notes that "...the new and demanding challenges of 21st Century call for a concerted European effort, so that Europe achieves its fullest potential international cooperation and world competition".