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
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The Soyuz FG-Fregat vehicle carrying Mars Express, ESA's first probe to the Red Planet, lifts off from launch complex no.31, in Baikonour, Kazakhstan, at 17:45:46 UT on June 2, 2003. The Euro-Russian Starsem joint-venture provided the launch.
Mars Express, consisting in a 1,223-kg orbiter carrying the 71-kg Beagle 2 lander, is scheduled to enter orbit around Mars on December 26, 2003. This is Europe's first own planetary mission.