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
Go to topicATV Albert Einstein is further prepared for launch at Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
The pressurised, habitable module with its cone shaped docking port is protected with a red cover. Later it will be turned upright and lifted onto the service module. The red cover will be removed before flight.
When ATV Albert Einstein is ready to fly it will be launched on an Ariane 5 launcher carrying 2380 kg of fuel and 6.6 tonnes of cargo to the International Space Station.