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 Comet Interceptor will be the first mission to visit a comet coming directly from the outer reaches of the Sun's realm, carrying material untouched since the dawn of the Solar System.
Comet Interceptor comprises a main spacecraft and two smaller probes (with one probe built by JAXA). The mission will carry a total of ten scientific instruments, each made up of one or more sensors. By taking measurements of the target comet from different locations at the same time, Comet Interceptor will construct a 3D map of the comet and the gas and dust around it.
Comet Interceptor is an ESA-led mission in collaboration with JAXA.