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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The 'crocodile' making its way to the launch silo at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The crocodile carries the space head module that encapsulates the CryoSat-2 satellite. The vehicle is equipped with a container that is positioned vertically and opens like 'jaws', hence the name 'crocodile', to allow the space head module to be loaded.