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’s Ariel mission will analyse the atmospheres of about a thousand exoplanets. During its survey, Ariel will study rocky planets and gas giants and discover the ingredients that make up their atmospheres. By studying a large sample of hot gaseous planets, like the ones in this artistic impression, scientists can determine trends, which can be used to predict behaviour in other exoplanets. This is extremely useful because it provides insight into how planets may form and evolve.