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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ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer arrives aboard the International Space Station with his crew mates NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Kayla Barron and Tom Marshburn.
The four astronauts were greeted by Roscosmos cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov (current Space Station commander) and Piotr Dubrov as well as NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei.
Tom affixed pins to the lapels of Matthias, Kayla and Raja signifying their new status as flown astronauts.
Matthias posted this image to his social media channels on 17 November as his first post from orbit.
Visit the Cosmic Kiss mission page to learn more about Matthias’s mission.