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's Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany was established in 1990 and is the centre of excellence for astronaut training, operations and space medicine in Europe.
Home to ESA’s astronaut corps, it equips Europeans to fly to the International Space Station today, while preparing for an exciting future of space exploration beyond low Earth orbit.
This image of the building's exterior was captured during the summer of 2018 by German-based photojournalist Sabine Grothues.