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 astronaut Frank De Winne, Expedition 20 flight engineer and Expedition 21 commander, participates in a training session in the Cupola module mock-up in the Multi-use Remote Manipulator Development Facility in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston. A robotic arm control station is setup in the mock-up of the Cupola module where robotic arm operations will be housed in the future on the International Space Station. The Cupola will provide crewmembers working inside the module a 360-degree panoramic view of Earth and activities outside the station. Command and control workstations can be installed to assist with the Space Station remote manipulator system and extravehicular activities. The Cupola is the final element of the Space Station core and is scheduled for launch on Space Shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission.