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 this image taken by Ron Garan, 23 May, Soyuz Commander Dmitri Kondratyev and Paolo Nespoli close the hatch, ready for their return to Earth in the Soyuz TMA-20 spacecraft. Together with Cady Coleman, the three have been in the International Space Station for nearly 6 months. The Soyuz capsule touched down in the early hours of 24 May.