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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On 21 May 2011, A cosmonaut and two astronauts representing three different organizations but the same International Space Station expedition crew, share one of their final meals with other station and shuttle crew members onboard the outpost, currently docked with the space shuttle Endeavour. From left to right in the foreground are Russian cosmonaut Dmitry Kondratyev (with back toward camera), Expedition 27 commander; European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli and NASA astronaut Cady Coleman, both Expedition 27 flight engineers. In left background is Russian cosmonaut Alexander Samokutyaev, Expedition 27 flight engineer. At upper right is NASA astronaut Michael Fincke, STS-134 mission specialist. Kondratyev. Nespoli and Coleman are scheduled to return to Earth in a Soyuz spacecraft in less than 48 hours.