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 took this image from the International Space Station during his six-month Principia mission. He commented: "We see 16 sunrises every day - but I've never seen one as beautiful as this. Good morning Earth!"
Professional photographer Max Alexander has known Tim Peake from before his launch into space and gave Tim photography tips during his mission. Max comments: "A superbly composed picture of a sunrise - one of sixteen that astronauts on the International Space Station see every day. This is a very difficult photograph to shoot. The combination of the ISS travelling at 28 800 kph, and using an exceptionally long telephoto lens – effectively a focal length of over one metre – means that Tim has to work extremely quickly and precisely to nail the shot."
Follow Tim Peake via timpeake.esa.int