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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Artist’s impression of the BepiColombo spacecraft in cruise configuration, flying past Earth. The Mercury Transfer Module is shown with two ion thrusters firing, and with its solar wings extended. The 7.5 m-long solar array of the Mercury Planetary Orbiter in the middle is seen extending to the bottom, with the magnetometer boom protruding to the right, and the antenna deployed to the left. The Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter is hidden inside the sunshield towards the background in this orientation.
BepiColombo is a joint endeavour between ESA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA.