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 topic(18 April 2004) Dutch ESA astronaut André Kuipers visits Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in her residential palace in The Hague. Kuipers was accompanied by his girlfriend Helen. Crown Prince Willem Alexander was also present. Kuipers has just returned to the Netherlands after spending 11 days in space (19-30 April 2004) visiting the International Space Station on the DELTA Mission.