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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Upper composite of Ariane 5 ES that will carry ATV-3 into space in next March being unpacked and assembled at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The upper composite consists of the upper stage with the Aestus rocket engine and 10 tonnes of propellants, the Vehicle Equipment Bay, 'the brain' of the launcher and all supporting structures interfacing with the payload.