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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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-128 crewmembers pose for a photo near Launch Pad 39A after answering questions from the media. From left are Commander Rick Sturckow, Pilot Kevin Ford, and Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester, Jose Hernandez, John 'Danny' Olivas, Christer Fuglesang and Nicole Stott. Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency exit training and equipment familiarisation, as well as a simulated launch countdown. Discovery will deliver new equipment to the Station, including science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill.