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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ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang on board Space Shuttle Discovery following undocking from the International Space Station. Fuglesang and the rest of the STS-116 crew spent 8 days docked to the ISS, during which they added the P5 truss section, reconfigured the Station's electicity supply and retracted the P6 solar array, and delivered equipment and supplies. They also exchanged an Expedition 14 crew member, bringing NASA's Sunita Williams into orbit, and returning ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter to Earth.