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 22 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 topicThank you for liking
You have already liked this page, you can only like it once!
Night and day images of southern Italy taken by Expedition 40 crewmembers from on board the International Space Station.
The night image was posted by ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst on Twitter with the comment: "You can see the red glowing lava of 2 volcanoes on this photo! Spot them on @astro_reid's day photo! #teamwork"
The day image was posted by NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman who said: "#Etna and #Stromboli erupting by day. @astro_alex took the exact same shot at night, with lava. #teamwork"
Follow the Blue Dot mission via www.esa.int/bluedot
Connect with Alexander Gerst on social media via alexandergerst.esa.int
Follow Reid Wiseman on twitter.com/astro_reid