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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Rick LaBrode, a qualified Shuttle and ISS flight director, has been working on console with the 'new guys' at ESA's Columbus Control Centre during STS-122 to provide advice and face-to-face liaison between ESA and NASA. He was scheduled to return to Houston upon completion of the Shuttle's docked phase, on Flight Day 11 (17 February). LaBrode normally works as a space shuttle flight director and will next be assigned to shuttle mission STS-123 that will deliver the Japanese science lab to the ISS. He also supports ISS increment operations as an ISS flight director.