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 Pedro Duque (ES) became the first Spanish astronaut when he flew on STS-95, Space Shuttle Discovery, in October 1998. He flew with Curtis Brown, Steven Lindsey, Scott Parazynski, Stephen Robinson, Chiaki Mukai (Japan) and US Sen. John Glenn, spending over 8 days in space.
The STS-95 patch, designed by the crew, reflects the scientific, engineering and historic elements of the mission. The Space Shuttle rises over the sunlit Earth limb, representing the global benefits of the mission science and the solar science objectives of the Spartan Satellite. The bold number '7' signifies the seven members of the crew and also represents a historical link to the original seven Mercury astronauts. The STS-95 crew member John Glenn's first orbital flight is represented by orbiting Friendship 7 capsule. The rocket plumes symbolise the three major fields of science represented by the mission payloads: microgravity material science, medical research for humans on Earth and in space, and astronomy.