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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Rover mockups in a Mars yard. These robots are used to demonstrate key technologies that Europe needs to master for future planetary exploration missions. This includes moving on the surface, collecting sample tubes and martian soil, and analysing samples autonomously. The models were on display at Airbus's facility in Stevenage in the United Kingdom.
In 2028, ESA will launch this ambitious exploration mission to search for past and present signs of life on Mars. Rosalind Franklin will be the first rover to drill to a depth of up to two metres below the martian surface, acquiring samples buried underground and protected from surface radiation and extreme temperatures.