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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Astronaut Henry Hartsfield, STS-61A Commander, shakes hands with NASA's George Abbey, Director of Flight Crew Operations, and lead off the other members of Challenger’s crew as they descend the steps for their first contact with Earth in over a week. From left, Guy Bluford, Jim Buchli, Steve Nagel, Bonnie Dunbar, Wubbo Ockels, Ernst Messerschmid and Reinhard Furrer. The Challenger’s wheels stopped at 9:45 a.m. (PST) on the Mojave Desert dry lake bed at Edwards Air Force Base, California.