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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Opening in the lunar temple displaying Earth in the sky for two weeks out of every four weeks (Earth is upside down since the Moon Temple is located on the south pole of the Moon). Artist Jorge Mañes Rubio, part of ESA’s future-oriented Advanced Concepts Team (ACT), has designed a place of contemplation to serve a future lunar settlement. It would be built on the sunlit rim of 21-km diameter Shackleton Crater, which is bathed much of the time in sunlight while overlooking a 4.2 km-deep interior mired in perpetual shadow. One opening in the dome would look Earthwards, while another at the top will peer out into deep space. Jorge chose Shackleton because Earth is only visible periodically, inspiring more independent thinking. An app allowing people to virtually experience the Shackleton Crater environment for themselves is being finalised, meanwhile an animation is already available.