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 topicThis digital still image of the International Space Station was photographed through an overhead window on the Space Shuttle Atlantis as the two spacecraft approached each other for a Feb. 9 docking. While STS-122 astronauts were recording photos of their home for the next several days, crew members aboard the ISS were clicking images of the shuttle, with the primary focus being on its thermal protection system.