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
Go to topicThis video focuses on how ESA's Earth observation satellites are contributing to sustainable development by providing data on our planet. These data help us better understand global change, manage natural resources, provide information on the state of Earth's land, oceans, ice caps and atmosphere, respond to natural disasters and provide services to citizens. Jose Achache, Director of ESA's Earth Observation Programme, is featured speaking about future satellites and the GMES programme. The video supported the ESA exhibition and event at the World Summit for Sustainable Developement in Johannesburg 2002.