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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Europe explores the Moon
Since ancient times, mankind has studied the Moon; however it still holds many secrets as to how it formed and what it is made of.
ESA’s Smart-1 was launched in 2003 to reveal some of these mysteries by using an innovative electric propulsion engine powered by solar energy.
Scientists all over the world are now analysing over three years of data, including the best surface images ever taken from lunar orbit and accurate information of the Moon’s mineral composition.
One of the most exciting discoveries of Smart-1 is an area constantly exposed to the Sun’s rays. This could serve as a base for future manned missions to the Moon.
For more information on this SMART-1 image, please click on the following link: Lunar craters.