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 29 and 30 June, a total of 581 kg of xenon has been loaded into the three tanks of the BepiColombo Mercury Transfer Module (MTM), here seen on a loading scale at Europe's Spaceport. Xenon is used as propellant for the module’s electric propulsion system that will take the spacecraft to Mercury, together with gravity assist flybys at Earth, Venus and Mercury itself.