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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ATV Albert Einstein is fuelled at Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Automated Transfer Vehicles (ATVs) carry two types of propellant to the International Space Station. Aside from its own propellants, the space ferry brings propellants for the Russian Station thrusters. They are loaded in four phases – and each component is highly toxic. All non-essential personnel are cleared from the room and operators wear sealed ‘scape suits’ at all times during fuelling.
ATVs are multi-purpose unmanned ferries delivered to orbit by Europe’s Ariane 5 launcher. Each spacecraft can deliver up to 7 tonnes of cargo to the International Space Station, including supplies and equipment, water, air, nitrogen, oxygen and fuel.