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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The first Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) is being prepared for flight to the International Space Station at Tsukuba Space Center. The HTV will join other space vehicles, including Europe's Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), in transporting cargo to the ISS at regular intervals. HTV is an unmanned vehicle measuring 10 metres in length and 4.4 metres in diameter at the widest point. HTV has a pressurised section where crewmembers can work when the vehicle is docked with the ISS and an unpressurised section that accommodates payloads for the Japanese Kibo laboratory's Exposed Facility.