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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Artist's impression of the lunar Gateway, a habitat, refueling and research centre for astronauts exploring our Moon as part of the Artemis programme.
ESA’s contribution to the Gateway includes I-Hab, the module will use environment and life-support systems provided by Japan’s space agency JAXA. A second contribution called ESPRIT, will supply enhanced communications, refuelling and a window somewhat like the European-built Cupola observatory on the International Space Station.
Transport to the Gateway will use NASA’s Orion spacecraft amongst others (seen docked), for which ESA is building the European Service Modules.
The refueling and Infrastructure and the telecommunication functions are provided by two different elements that will reach Gateway at different times. The two elements are: