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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Envisat ASAR image of the Wilkins Ice Shelf in the Antarctic Peninsula, acquired on 29 February 2008. This image, part of the accompanying animation, shows the Wilkins Ice Shelf the day of its partial break-up on 29 February 2008. In the framework of the International Polar Year 2007-2008, ESA will continue to provide scientists with SAR images to monitor the expected break-up of the narrow ice shelf bridge between the Charcot island and the main Wilkins Ice Shelf.