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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In the firing room at the Launch Control Center, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach applauds with other NASA officials the successful second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116. Liftoff occurred on time at 8:47 p.m. local time (02:47 CET).
Standing left to right are NASA Flow Director for Discovery Stephanie Stilson, Leinbach, NASA KSC News Chief Bruce Buckingham, Associate Administrator for Space Operations Mission William Gerstenmaier, NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, Mrs. Griffin, and Kennedy Space Center Director Jim Kennedy.