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 topicPlesetsk was founded in 1957. Situated in the Archangel region of Russia at latitude 620 54' north and longitude 400 23' east, Plesetsk was the Soviet Union's most northern launch base, used to place mainly military satellites into polar orbit. Until recently Plesetsk was the busiest launch base in the world.