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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A submersible transporting a Neemo aquanaut to a simulated asteroid. In space, chipping off a piece of asteroid would require that an astronaut hold on to something, otherwise he would float away. The submersible was tested underwater as a means of getting to asteroids as well offering a stable platform for astronauts to work on. Footstraps allow aquanauts to fasten themselves to the submersible, keeping their arms free for working on the asteroid.
Neemo missions train astronauts for life in space. Living and working in an underwater base is similar to life on a space stations.During a 12-day mission, ESA astronaut Tim Peake and six crewmates lived in cramped conditions, performed ‘waterwalks’ and had to solve problems as a team to test equipment and techniques for future space exploration.