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
Go to topicLaunch of Ariane VA241 on 25 January 2018 from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, carrying SES-14 and Al Yah 3 satellites. After a problem with the rocket's upper stage, the satellites were later found to have separated successfully but entered incorrect orbits. However, they were able to reach their planned orbits with small loss of onboard propellant for SES-14 (still expected to meet its designed lifetime) but with significant loss on Al Yah 3 (up to 50% of its intended operational life).