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
Go to topicESA 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 Cupola windows at Earth. This collage of Toyko, Japan is made from around 70 pictures taken on 10 August 2021 from 00:49 GMT mapped together, digitally rotated and assembled into one large image.
Thomas shared this image on social media at the start of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo with the caption: "Tokyo in the spotlight again – this time for the Paralympics! Today marks the start of two weeks of elite competition for athletes who have overcome adversity to take on the world's best. Endurance, perseverance, adaptability, training – this is when it counts. To me, it's a bit like when the rocket launches, and you're on your way to space. No open flames allowed up here, but the torch did make the trip. Good luck to all the Paralympic athletes. We'll be cheering you on. #WeThe15"
The International Space Station flies at roughly 400 km altitude so Thomas uses the longest lenses available onboard.