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 Alexander Gerst took this photo of an Aurora Australis from the International Space Station on 18 June 2018. He posted the image on social media with the comment: "Saw my first Aurora Australis on this mission today, my silent magical old friend. 6 nose prints on the window, despite being busy with science. Quite fittingly, the ship in the foreground is the one that carried Serena, Sergey & me into space almost 2 weeks ago."
Alexander Gerst is currently on his second mission to the International Space Station for Expeditions 56 and 57. The mission is part of ESA’s vision to use Earth-orbiting spacecraft as a place to live and work for the benefit of European society while using the experience to prepare for future voyages of exploration further into the Solar System.
Connect with Alexander Gerst: http://alexandergerst.esa.int/