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 snowy Alps from the International Space Station on 3 December 2023 seen by ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen. When Andreas shared the picture on social media, he said:
"New Year’s Greetings from space!
Traveling at 28,000 kilometers per hour, the Space Station will cross the International Date Line several times tonight, so we will be celebrating New Year’s multiple times up here. So, how do we celebrate it? The day is spent with the crew, where we relax, enjoy some good food, and perhaps take a trip to the Cupola to look down at Earth. Unfortunately, we can’t see fireworks from up here, but the view of Earth is still fantastic. And we have 1 January off to slowly start up the new year."
Visit Huginn mission page to learn more about Andreas' mission.