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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During the OasISS mission, ESA astronaut Frank De Winne (BE) spent six months on the ISS between May and November 2009. He became the first European commander of an ISS Expedition.
The mission patch depicts the ISS and Earth as oases for astronauts and humankind, and features the theme of water as the basis of life as we know it. Our planet is shown as a drop of water, resembling Earth as seen by the astronauts on the ISS. The importance of water for life is represented by the tree that grows out of the arms of a man. He is rooted in the ISS and its scientific utilisation. Water flows through the man’s arms and the branches of the tree.
The rocket illustrates the Soyuz that will carry De Winne to the ISS. A single white star symbolises how humans will eventually explore further into the Universe.