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 ‘Cervantes’ mission, ESA astronaut Pedro Duque (ES) stayed on the International Space Station for 8 days during his 10-day Soyuz TMA-3 flight in October 2003. With him were Alexander Kaleri and Michael Foale, the ISS Expedition 8 crew.
In the patch, the astronaut looks to the sky and extends his hand towards the stars that he hopes to reach some day. Like the Cervantes' hero, Don Quixote, he is anxious to explore the Universe to discover the mysteries of life. In the constellation, the biggest star is the one placed there by man: the International Space Station, which already shines above our heads and is an oasis for travellers in space.
The Cervantes mission patch was designed by Miguel Gallardo, a well-known Spanish illustrator. Gallardo studied at Barcelona’s Massana School of Arts and Crafts, and is the creator of 'Makori', a popular character of 1980s comics in Spain. As a press illustrator, he is a regular contributor to La Vanguardia and various other magazines and publications both in Spain and abroad.