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
Go to topicThis picture was taken during the Perseid meteor shower on 12 August 1997.
Shooting stars are seen on Earth as our planet enters a dust cloud left behind by a comet, in this case, Swift-Tuttle. The dust burns up as it enters the atmosphere creating natural fireworks in the night sky.