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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The Columbus Control Centre during the launch of ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen on his 10-day iriss mission to the International Space Station, 2 September 2015. In the foreground is the presenter for ESA television providing live commentary during the launch.
Control centres monitor performance of operations and, in case of changes or malfunctions, prepare and perform updates. Maintenance of Europe's space laboratory Columbus is performed by astronauts monitored by the control centre and payload centre.
Columbus Control Centre is located at Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich, Germany.