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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This crystal-clear photograph shows the Emerald Isle in fine detail from some 400 km above the Earth’s surface.
Partially shrouded by light cloud cover and highlighted with vibrant shades of green, the island can be seen nestled between the Irish sea to the East and the Atlantic ocean to the West.
The stunning image was captured by British ESA astronaut Tim Peake during his Principia mission, a sixth-month trip to the International Space Station that began on 15 December 2015.
Taken on 24 February the following year using a regular digital camera, the image was posted on Tim's Flickr account to celebrate the St Patrick’s Day national holiday.