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 topicThank you for liking
You have already liked this page, you can only like it once!
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Platforms are extended toward Space Shuttle Atlantis from the fixed service structure, at left, as processing begins following the Shuttle's arrival at Launch Pad 39A. Rollout is a milestone for Atlantis' launch to the International Space Station on mission STS-122, targeted for 6 December. On this mission, Atlantis will deliver the European Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. ESA's largest contribution to the Station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities on board the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences.