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 22 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 is spending six months on the International Space Station as part of his second mission "Alpha". In his free time, like many astronauts, he enjoys looking out of the European-built Cupola windows at Earth below. This image of the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey) is made up of 51 photos stitched together to create one big picture taken on 15 June 2021 from 13:20 GMT.
The International Space Station flies at roughly 400 km altitude so Thomas uses the longest lens available onboard: 1150 mm to capture these photos. Zoom in and move around to explore in greater detail.