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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The International Space Station, ISS, is the world’s largest-ever international scientific venture, a permanent human outpost in space. The partnership includes the USA, Russia, Canada, Japan and Europe.
Orbiting 400 km above us, the Space Station offers unique opportunities to observe our planet, carry out research in space - weightlessness, radiation, vacuum and extreme temperatures - and prepare for human exploration of the Solar System.
ESA is responsible for two key ISS elements: the Columbus research laboratory, and five automated Transfer Vehicles, ATV, for delivery of supplies.
A European Service Module will power NASA’s Orion spacecraft to carry astronauts further into space than ever before.
The Columbus laboratory
The Cupola
The Automated Transfer Vehicle
European Service Module for Orion