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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Team leaders from Thales Alenia Space, ESA and CNES in front of the SMOS satellite on 21 September 2009. EADS-CASA was not yet present, but as they were with us in spirit Jose Azcarate from ESA stood in. The satellite is held on in the transit container undergoing its first inspection after arriving at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia. The SMOS baby was found okay.