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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The new M10 liquid oxygen/methane engine for Vega-E was successfully tested on 5 May 2022 at Avio's new Space Propulsion Test Facility (SPTF) at the Salto di Quirra range in Sardinia. The engine, developed by Avio, with a thrust class of 10 tons, is the first of its kind to be successfully tested in Europe. The M10 represents a new-generation green engine, realised with extensive use of additive layer manufacturing (ALM) technologies. The M10 engine is part of the development of ESA's Vega-E launcher, in preparation to succeed Vega-C from 2026.