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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ESA and German national and regional officials enjoy the 'Richtfest' roof-topping ceremony at ESOC II in Darmstadt on 4 September 2013.
From left to right: J. Baron (South Hessen District President), K.-P. Willsch (Member of the German Bundestag and Chairman of the Aviation and Space Group), J.-U. Hahn (Deputy Prime Minister of the Hessen region), J.-J. Dordain (ESA Director General), H.J. Otto (Parliamentary State Secretary in Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology - BMWi), J. Wörner (CEO of DLR), D. Wagner (Member of the German Bundestag), J. Partsch (Lord Mayor of Darmstadt), T. Reiter (ESA Director of Human Spaceflight and Operations and Head of the ESOC Establishment)