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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Facilities on a part of the huge Edwards Air Force Base in the desertland of Southern California form the backdrop for the Space Shuttle Orbiter 101 Enterprise as it heads for a landing during the fourth Approach and Landing Test (ALT) free flight. Note that the tail cone is removed from the Enterprise for this flight, which featured a two-minute, 34 second unpowered phase after the Orbiter separated from NASA 905, a 747 carrier aircraft. Crewmen for this flight were Astronauts Joe H. Engle, commander; and Richard H. Truly, pilot.