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 topicA Congolese family pose in their kitchen in the village of Mbomo, 10 November 2004. Fifteen members of the family died last year when in an Ebola outbreak spread through the region. The disease is highly infectious and easily transmitted through contact with the blood and other body fluids of victims, even when they are dead. Locals seemed to have learned the lessons taught by authorities in the capital Brazzaville, or by the Red Cross and relief aid workers. "We don't eat monkey meat and we don't collect dead meat any more," villagers chorused. One of the dangers has been eating dead animals found in the forest such as gorillas, considered the likely origin of the virus jumping to humans.