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 topicThe European Space Agency is about to launch the first ever spacecraft designed to orbit a comet and land on its surface. After a mission postponement delay of one year, the Rosetta probe has now finally been attached to an Ariane 5 rocket and is on the launchpad, ready for lift-off. Scientists, engineers and journalists have gathered at the French Guyana launch site for what promises to be an historical moment in European space exploration.