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 and NASA astronaut Kayla Barron during tracking and capture practice for the Canadarm2 robotic arm. Matthias posted this image to his social media channels on 7 February 2022 with the caption: "When we go to the Moon and explore even farther, we'll work hand-in-hand with robots. Last month Kayla and I brushed up on our Canadarm2 tracking and capture skills using the robotic workstation in the US Destiny lab. Canadarm2 and the Japanese Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System both play a crucial role in berthing visiting vehicles and grappling external payloads on the US and Japanese modules. We also use Canadarm during spacewalks to transport spacewalkers and equipment."
Visit the Cosmic Kiss mission page to learn more about Matthias’s mission.