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 topicEnvisat wide-swath radar image of ice above the sub-glacial Lake Vostok, acquired 13 March 2003. The freshwater lake's full extent was first mapped using ERS-1 data in the early 90s, because the ice floating over the lake has a smoother surface than the ground-based ice surrounding it. More recently, ERS InSAR results have comfirmed its waters are influenced by tides.