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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Integration of the Orion spacecraft on top of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The European Service Module that will power the first Orion uncrewed flight, ESM-1, was lifted up and mated with the rocket in preparation for launch, together with the crew module. Integration began on 20 October 2021, and the spacecraft was secured atop the powerful rocket six days later.
Artemis I is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions for human deep space exploration. The European Service Module will power Orion's crew module around the Moon and back with over 30 engines. The European Service Module provides electricity, water, oxygen and nitrogen as well as keeping the spacecraft at the right temperature and on course.