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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Satellite communications are the mainstay of the space industry: more than half of space business results from building and launching communication satellites.
ESA, through its ARTES Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems programme, ensures the competitiveness of European industry in the world market by stimulating research and development in a wide range of new technologies, and promoting applications that involve the combined use of space-based satellite systems.
ESA supports the development and deployment of new satellite systems and services through public–private partnerships. Teaming up with operators and industry combines expertise and shares risk to develop operational missions and complement public investment with private funding.