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 astronaut Thomas Pesquet (FR) was launched on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station, on its second crewed operational flight called Crew-2, in April 2021. He is flying with NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, and JAXA astronaut Akihiko Hoshide.
The Crew-2 patch was designed by freelance US artist/illustrator Gregory Manchess. features a stylised dragon and a Dragon capsule with a background of the Sun, Solar System and stars. SpaceX Crew-2 commander Shane Kimbrough described the design: "The determined expression of the Dragon in the patch reflects the strength of the team and their contribution to the exploration of space. The five large stars represent the five partner agencies in the International Space Station programme."