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's Cosmic Kiss mission patch floats next to a replica of the Nebra Sky Disc in the seven-windowed Cupola of the International Space Station.
The Nebra Sky Disc is a more than 3600 years old bronze disc and is considered the world's oldest representation of concrete celestial phenomena. Like the Sky Disc, Matthias’s Cosmic Kiss mission patch features several cosmic elements. Together, these elements – along with the mission’s name – convey a love for space, the value of partnership in exploring farther, and the importance of protecting and preserving Earth through space exploration.