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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ESA astronauts Paolo Nespoli and Roberto Vittori and their crewmates from their MagISStra and DAMA missions visited the Pontifical Villa of Castel Gandolfo in Italy for a private audience with his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on 19 September.
Astronauts Catherine Coleman, Mark Kelly, Gregory Johnson, Michael Fincke, Andrew Feustel, Gregory Chamitoff and Scott Kelly, together with ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain and Volker Liebig, Director of Earth Observation, accompanied Paolo and Roberto during the visit. Jean-Jacques Dordain presented the Pope with a commemorative picture.