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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On 3 December 2006, the STS-116 crew arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where they'll begin final preparations for launch on 7 December. Flying T-38 trainer jets, the astronauts touched down on the Shuttle Landing Facility at about 16:00 local time.
From left are Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham; Pilot William Oefelein; Mission Specialists Robert Curbeam, Christer Fuglesang representing the European Space Agency, Nicholas Patrick, and Sunita Williams joining Expedition 14 in progress on the International Space Station; and Commander Mark Polansky.