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 first metal 3D printer to operate aboard the International Space Station seen during ground testing, producing an ESA-design sample part. Its development led by ESA, this Metal 3D Printer aims to prove that metal 3D printing can be performed in weightless conditions, opening the way to a future in-space manufacturing capability where astronauts far from Earth can produce whatever tools or spare parts they need. The print process will be supervised closely, allowing the development team to learn as much as they can. The sealed printer box is fitted with LED lighting, a camera and precision sensors so ground operators can follow the progress of the printing down to each new deposition layer, and the printing can be adjusted if any defects arise.