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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Galileo satellite being used for search and rescue: the smaller, lower antenna on its front, Earth-facing side serves a Cospas-Sarsat MEOSAR (Medium Earth Orbit Search and Rescue) transponder. The second two Galileo In-Orbit Validation satellites, launching at the end of summer 2012, will carry MEOSAR transponders and take part in a subsequent MEOSAR demonstration and evaluation programme.