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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When most ESA missions are first envisioned, the technology that will make them possible does not exist – yet. It is the job of ESA’s Technology team to identify the key developments needed to move forward the ‘state-of-the-art’ in spaceflight, systematically transforming planned technologies into tangible reality with a sufficient level of performance and reliability that they are ready to fly in space – so that the right technology is ready at just the right time.
ESA teams are specialised in all aspects of spaceflight, and work with many of Europe’s most advanced companies and research institutions. Advanced missions need advanced testing, so we have access to world-beating space laboratories and the largest satellite test centre in Europe.