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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There are other 'heroes' behind every single ESA successful mission. Astronaut André Kuipers did not work alone in space, so the time for recognition came for those who contributed to Increments 29 & 30 with their expertise, professionalism and dedication. The second ISS Award ceremony, held on 25 October in ESTEC’s Erasmus Centre, recognised the outstanding job and support ESA colleagues provided from the ground. In the image, the happy winners proudly hold their trophy. From left to right you can see Rafael Bureo, D/HSO Thomas Reiter, Paola Parodi, Cesare Capararo and Hilde Stenuit. The trophy itself is a piece of ESA’s history – it is a bronze casting of astronaut Hans Schlegel’s Extra Vehicular Activity glove, used for the installation of the Columbus module on the Space Station in 2008.