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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In the White Room of Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialists Roberto Vittori, left, and Michael Fincke touch fists as they prepare to board Space Shuttle Endeavour during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). Part of TCDT includes practising the final hours of a real launch day when astronauts put on their launch-and-entry suits, ride to the pad in the Astrovan and strap into the Shuttle.