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 signing of the Accession Agreement to the ESA Convention by Portuguese Minister of Science & Technology José Mariano Gago and ESA Director General Antonio Rodotà on 15 December 1999, leading to Portugal becoming the 15th ESA Member State with its deposition of accession instrument in Paris on 14 November 2000.