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 Thomas Reiter (seated), after returning from a 6-month stay on the International Space Station, visits with colleagues in the crew quarters at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Reiter returned to Earth with the STS-116 crew aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Landing took place on Runway 15 at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility as the sun set on the shortest day of the year.