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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On 30 August 2012 ESA astronaut André Kuipers was welcomed home to Noordwijk, the Netherlands, near ESA’s ESTEC technical centre.
André’s former employer, the Royal Dutch Airforce, helped by the Royal Marines, flew him to the beach in style from a frigate off the coast.
André recently spent 193 days in space on the International Space Station.