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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Estimates suggest that within just a few decades, the Arctic Ocean could be almost completely free of sea ice in summer. When ships can move through the Arctic Ocean (red dashed line), the time required to travel between Europe and parts of Asia and North America’s west coast is significantly reduced compared to current routes (black solid line). This will diminish fuel usage and associated emissions.