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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ESA's Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain met with the press at the traditional start-of-year gathering at ESA’s headquarters in Paris, 14 January 2010.
The highlights of the year are the launch of Node-3 and Cupola, and of CryoSat, as well as of two ESA astronauts to the International Space Station. A simulated 520-day 'trip to Mars' will be starting in May. The launch of the second Automated Transfer Vehicle and of the first Galileo system satellites, the first lift-off of Soyuz from Kourou and the maiden flight of Vega should also be pencilled in your diaries.