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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Image of ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet (right) and NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough (left) carrying out On-orbit Fit Verification (OFV) ahead of their first spacewalk of Thomas's Alpha mission. The process is overseen by NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and captured by NASA astronaut Megan McArthur.
Thomas shared this photo with the caption: The radio cable is short so we need to get close to test communications. OFV (we LOVE acronyms in the space industry): or On-orbit Fit Verification: we try out our spacesuits before taking them out this week. Mark is working hard getting us in the suit and making sure everything is in configuration… and that the suit is airtight. It seems like we’re getting a foot massage, but we’re not!