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 astronaut Tim Peake in his Sokol suit he will wear on launch day, 15 December.
Soyuz astronauts get to try their spacecraft and suits for the first time two weeks before being launched to the International Space Station. Each suit and spacecraft seat is tailor-made for comfort and safety.
The suits will protect them in case of a sudden loss of pressure inside the Soyuz.
Tim has a six-month mission planned and are spending their last days on Earth preparing for the flight into space.
Follow Tim Peake via timpeake.esa.int, and follow the whole mission, including their time in Baikonur and the launch, via ESA’s Principia blog.