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 Expedition 20 crew pose in the Harmony node of the International Space Station. Clockwise from top are ESA astronaut Frank De Winne, cosmonaut commander Gennady Padalka, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Robert Thirsk, Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata, NASA astronaut Michael Barratt and cosmonaut Roman Romanenko, May 2009.
This was the first permanent six-person crew to stay on the Station and the first time an astronaut from each Station partner was aboard.