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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A harpoon featured in an illustration for the novel Moby Dick. During the 19th century explosive harpoons were employed both to kill and capture whales. Used since the Stone Age, first to spear fisht hen later to catch whales, the humble harpoon is being looked at for snagging derelict space hardware.