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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ESA astronauts Frank De Winne (r) and Andre Kuipers (l) visit the European Astronaut Centre (EAC), in Cologne, Germany, in preparation for next year's long-duration mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Frank De Winne is assigned as a member of the primary crew who will stay on the Station between May and November 2009, Andre Kuipers is assigned as his back-up.