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 polar ice caps act as the thermal regulators of the Blue Planet but global warming could effect one of Nature's most vital balancing acts. To better identify the risks the European Space Agency is sending the latest observation satellite into orbit at the end of the year. Cryosat will measure the thickness and the surface area of the ice with unprecedented accuracy, within a centimetre.