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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On 5 June 1983, the Space Shuttle Enterprise, taking a 'piggy back' on a specially modified Boeing 747, flew over ESA's technical centre ESTEC in Noordwijk and out along the Dutch coast. The combination was on its way back to the United States after a visit to the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget. It is estimated that half a million people watched the flypast.